Ahn Cheolsoo Meets Lee Junseok to Open Door for Unification
Kim Yongtae: "We Must Join Forces... Will Build a New Conservative Home"
Lee Junseok's Side: "Unifying Behind Kim Would Be an Extreme Choice"
The issue of unifying presidential candidates, which has emerged as a key variable in the final stages of the 21st presidential election, is stuck in a repetitive deadlock. Lawmakers, including Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, are making efforts toward unification, but Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party candidate, is drawing a clear line, expressing concerns about “old-fashioned politics.”
The problem is that there is not much time left, with only eight days remaining until early voting for the presidential election and the deadline for printing ballot papers approaching. Observers note that whether unification will be achieved depends on who can gain the upper hand in forming a “big tent” to prevent Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, from coming to power, and in claiming the cause of conservative reform.
Ahn Cheolsoo, who is serving as a co-chair of the People Power Party’s election committee, is scheduled to attend the “Let’s Eat at the Cafeteria with Lee Junseok” event at Gachon University in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province at 11:40 a.m. that day. Previously, Ahn had proposed a meeting via Facebook, stating, “No one knows better than the candidate the deep wounds he received from our party. I have experienced the same things from the vested interests that the candidate has.” An official from Ahn’s side said, “Rather than immediately discussing unification, this event will serve as an opening for dialogue.”
The meeting between Lee, who experienced painful memories during his time in the People Power Party, and Ahn is drawing attention in itself. However, it remains to be seen whether this meeting will serve as a spark for unification of the presidential candidates. With the June 3 presidential election only 13 days away, Lee Jaemyung is maintaining a strong lead, and Kim Moonsoo’s support remains stuck in the 30% range. As a result, voices within the People Power Party are emphasizing the necessity of unification. This is seen as a necessary option for conservative consolidation and centrist expansion. In particular, since the printing of presidential ballots is set to begin on May 25, the People Power Party considers May 24 as the “golden time” for unification.
Kim Yongtae, chairman of the emergency response committee, also appealed for unification on Facebook, saying, “Right now, Lee Junseok is running toward the same goal as us, albeit from a different path. In the end, we must join forces. If the conservative home cannot be repaired, we will build a better house in its place.” Kim Moonsoo also stated on both May 19 and 20, “When I debate with Lee, I see that we are not different at all.”
On the other hand, Lee Junseok is still drawing a line regarding unification. He is concerned that unifying with Kim Moonsoo?who has not distanced himself from the pro-Yoon faction, nor from those who opposed impeachment and far-right forces?could damage his own political brand.
A source close to Lee Junseok commented, “For Lee to unify behind Kim would be a politically extreme choice. If he joins forces with those who opposed impeachment, even his existing supporters are likely to leave.”
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, and Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party presidential candidate, are shaking hands after taking a commemorative photo at the Seoul Debate for Accompanying the Underprivileged held at Seoul City Hall on May 19, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
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