Kim Moonsoo-Lee Junseok Unification Efforts Continue Until the End... Early Voting Set as Deadline

Despite Lee Junseok's Rejection, People Power Party Presses for Unification
"Kim and Lee Are Not Offsetting Each Other... Ample Synergy Expected"
An Cheolsoo Proposes a "Joint Government" to Lee Junseok

On May 23, the People Power Party announced its position regarding the unification of presidential candidates Kim Moonsoo and Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, stating, "We will make efforts until the very end." Although Lee reiterated the previous day that "there will be no unification," the party believes that if Kim's approval ratings rise further and the effect of unification becomes evident, Lee's stance could change. The party has set the "deadline" for unification as before the early voting period begins.

People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo and Reform New Party presidential candidate Lee Junseok are greeting guests at the "Seoul Forum Walking with the Vulnerable" held at Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News

Shin Dongwook, head spokesperson of the People Power Party's election campaign committee, met with reporters at the party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the same day and said, "Unification with Lee is an issue we must pursue until the end," adding, "Fortunately, the approval rating trends of Kim and Lee do not offset each other, so we can fully expect a synergy effect."

Regarding Lee's repeated rejection of the unification proposal the previous day, he said, "Even looking at past unification cases, all candidates have claimed to go to the end, but in the end, unification was achieved," emphasizing, "The final conclusion is what matters." Shin added, "The ultimate criteria will be how much unification aligns with the spirit of the times and with the cause of the greater good. The public will understand any minor differences of opinion that arise during the process."

The People Power Party's mention of the "spirit of the times" reflects the growing controversy over unification between Kim and Lee. The previous day, it was revealed that members close to Yoon Sukyeol had proposed to Lee, "We will give you party leadership, so let's unify." This disclosure has triggered signs of renewed factional conflict within the People Power Party, as former party leader Han Donghoon expressed opposition to the idea.

The effective deadline for maximizing the impact of unification is before May 25, when ballot printing begins. Since unification during this period is virtually impossible, the People Power Party has set the deadline as May 28, before early voting starts. The party expects that after the final TV debate on May 27, if Kim's approval ratings increase, Lee will also participate in unification discussions.

An Cheolsoo, co-chair of the People Power Party's election campaign committee, called for unification by even proposing a "joint government" plan on this day. He wrote on his social media (Facebook), "The plan for a joint government after unification must not remain a mere declaration," and insisted, "Lee should take on an important position responsible for state affairs, and key figures from the Reform New Party should also share major responsibilities in government, so that the actual formation of a joint government and the implementation of reforms can proceed together."

Regarding the method of unification, An said, "It must be fair and able to persuade supporters of both sides," adding, "We need a flexible and effective approach, such as not only a simple opinion poll between the two candidates but also conducting polls in a head-to-head format, to select the more competitive candidate as the unified candidate."

However, both inside and outside the party, there are voices suggesting that they must also consider the possibility that unification may not occur. If Kim appears to be focused solely on unification, it could have negative consequences, and there are no longer suitable options to persuade Lee. A campaign official stated, "For now, we will focus on raising Kim's approval ratings and creating a favorable environment for unification discussions," but also said, "Even if unification does not happen, ultimately, supporters will rally behind Kim."