Cheon Haram Draws a Line on Kim Moonsu-Lee Junseok Unification
"Votes for Lee Junseok Cannot Become Votes for Kim Moonsu"
"Using Another Party's Candidate for Internal Power Struggles... Fundamentally Wrong"
As the June 3 presidential election approaches, the possibility of a unified candidate between the People Power Party and the Reform New Party is being cited as a key variable in the final stages. Cheon Haram, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Reform New Party, stated, "The kind of unification the People Power Party envisions is impossible," and added, "Do you really think we would be crazy enough to act as puppets for the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol) faction?" Cheon made these remarks during an interview on MBN's 'Jeong Woongap's In-Depth Analysis (Current Affairs Special)' on the 25th, emphasizing, "A vote for candidate Lee Junseok is not a vote for candidate Kim Moonsu."
Cheon argued, "Voters who support Lee Junseok are fundamentally opposed to unconstitutional emergency martial law and impeachment, so they believe the People Power Party should not win this presidential election," and added, "At the same time, they do not see Lee Jaemyung becoming president as desirable, and they believe that through Lee Junseok, Korean politics should undergo a true generational shift and move toward overwhelming change."
He said, "It is Kim Moonsu's right to withdraw from the unification, but while it may not be so difficult for Kim Moonsu's supporters to back Lee Junseok, it is difficult for Lee Junseok's supporters to support Kim Moonsu." He went on to criticize, "The People Power Party is trying to use another party's presidential candidate for their own internal power struggle, and this in itself is fundamentally wrong."
He continued, "There needs to be a force capable of keeping Han Donghoon in check, but since they have no one to put forward themselves, they say they want to help Lee Junseok. But do you really think we would be crazy enough to act as pro-Yoon puppets now? We will not do such a thing." He further questioned, "If the People Power Party is truly sincere in saying 'Lee Jaemyung must not become president,' then with both Lee Jaemyung and Lee Junseok free from martial law issues, is there any reason for them to cling to their own candidacy?"
Cheon also argued that Lee Junseok could achieve a come-from-behind victory in a three-way race during the remaining period. He said, "There is one TV debate left," and added, "We can clearly see support for our candidate rising after each TV debate." He continued, "During the last (general) election in Dongtan, we felt the on-site response heating up even before the candidate's support surged in the polls, and we are now seeing similar signs of a sharp rise in polling numbers."
He noted, "Anyone would feel some discomfort about changing the party they originally supported," and predicted, "So if, even two or three days before the election, it becomes clear that 'it is difficult for Kim Moonsu to defeat Lee Jaemyung,' there will definitely be a possibility of votes consolidating around Lee Junseok at the last minute."
When asked by the host about the meaning of a 'true conservative,' he replied, "It means saying what is necessary to the public, even if it is hard to hear." He added, "Within limited fiscal resources, we have to discuss how to use them rationally, not just spend for the present, but talk about 'what preparations we need to make for the future.' I hope we can become a conservative party that earns the public's trust and implements sustainable policies to prepare for the future."
He further stated, "Instead of a president with a legal background, a young president with a science and engineering background should step forward to talk about Korea's science and technology and the future." He added, "I hope that, through this opportunity, we can fully utilize Lee Junseok, a science and engineering graduate in his 40s with a sharp mind."
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