Sohn Hakkyu Says Han Ducksoo Refused Request to Support Kim Moonsoo, Stating "I Will Live as a Private Citizen"

Sohn Hakkyu Declares Support for Kim Moonsoo on the 22nd
"Privately Asked Han to Support Kim"

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo are embracing after concluding a meeting regarding candidate unification at the Riverside Library in the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Former Bareunmirae Party leader Sohn Hakkyu stated that he asked former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo to support Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, but Han declined.

On May 21, appearing on YTN Radio's 'Shin Yul's News Frontline,' Sohn said, "Not long ago, during a meal with former Prime Minister Han, I asked, 'Even though you may have many disappointments, since you joined the People Power Party, shouldn't you help out?' But he said 'No.'"

Sohn continued, "I told him, 'You have served in public office for 50 years with patriotism and a sense of duty, and because of that you ran for president. Even if you are not the presidential candidate, shouldn't you help Kim Moonsoo, who has lived for the weak?' Then, former Prime Minister Han replied, 'I will just live as a private citizen.'"

However, Sohn also said, "The judiciary is now standing up, feeling that things cannot go on like this," and added, "When you think about whether candidate Lee Jaemyung can really lead the country with populist, provocative politics, such as his hotel economy theory about 100,000 won and 120 won coffee prices, I believe former Prime Minister Han is also deeply considering the situation." Sohn thus indicated that there is still a possibility Han may support candidate Kim Moonsoo.

Meanwhile, on May 22, Sohn Hakkyu officially declared his support for Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate. At the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, that morning, he said, "Only Kim Moonsoo can save Korea in crisis," and added, "To be honest, I supported former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo before Kim Moonsoo, but Kim, who won in the unification process, is also an extraordinary person. He has remarkable determination to govern and strong drive."