One-Hour Tea Meeting at Park Geunhye's Residence
"If You Are Sincere, You Will Win... I Will Deeply Consider How to Help"
Former President Park Geunhye encouraged People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo, saying, "Although there have been many issues within the party, do not dwell on the past. Unite as one, fight this election together, and make sure to win."
On the 24th, after completing his campaign schedule in the Gyeongbuk region, candidate Kim visited former President Park's residence in Dalseong County, Daegu. This was the first time Kim had paid a courtesy visit to former President Park since he was nominated as the People Power Party's presidential candidate on the 3rd.
During a tea meeting that lasted a little over an hour, former President Park said, "It is important for the candidate to embrace all that has happened and to bring everyone together. Even if there are personal grievances, let them go and truly win for the sake of the country." This is interpreted as referring to the controversy over a possible "candidate replacement" between Kim and former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo.
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo is meeting former President Park Geunhye at the former president's residence in Dalseong County, Daegu on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
Candidate Kim responded, "Having witnessed the legislative dictatorship of the Democratic Party, I felt a strong resolve to prevent the foundations and roots of the country from being shaken. Although there have been many difficulties throughout the primary process, I am now focusing on campaigning without any distractions." He added, "I hope former President Park will provide a lot of support."
Former President Park replied, "There isn't much time left, but I will think more deeply about how I can help ensure a successful election going forward."
Candidate Kim also said, "Former President Park has been called the 'Queen of Elections' and has experienced many elections. Please share your wisdom on how to win."
To this, former President Park encouraged him, saying, "If you truly put your heart into the election, you will succeed. If you approach the people with sincerity, you are sure to win."
People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo is meeting former President Park Geunhye at the former president's residence in Dalseong County, Daegu on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
Chief Spokesperson Shin, when asked whether former President Park had offered any advice regarding a possible unification with Reform Party candidate Lee Junseok, said, "She did not have any particular comments on that matter. In any case, she expressed her hope that everyone would unite and run a successful campaign."
On this visit, Kim was accompanied by Yoon Jaeok, chief of the election campaign committee, Lee Manhee, head of the entourage, Chief Spokesperson Shin Dongwook, and lawmaker Yoo Youngha.
This move is seen as an effort to consolidate support among traditional voters as the June 3 presidential race enters its final stages. Before visiting former President Park, candidate Kim visited the birthplace of the late former President Park Chunghee in Gumi, Gyeongbuk.
At a briefing at the party's central headquarters in Yeouido that day, Chief Spokesperson Shin said, "Since the latter part of last week, candidate Kim's approval rating has seen a sharp increase. If the conservative camp unites, we can fully overturn the current front. We will launch the 'Beginning of a Miracle' campaign to rally our supporters."
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