Kim Moonsoo Focuses on Absorbing Pro-Impeachment Supporters
Jang Donghyuk Bets Everything on Hardline Party Members
Contrasting Election Strategies Raise Questions About the Party's Direction
Kim Moonsoo and Jang Donghyuk, the candidates who advanced to the final runoff in the People Power Party leadership election, have entered the final stage of competition, each emphasizing "unity" and "eradication," respectively. Kim Moonsoo is expected to receive support from the pro-impeachment faction within the party, while Jang Donghyuk is likely to garner concentrated backing from hardline conservatives.
On the 22nd, at Cheongju Osco in Chungbuk, Kim Moonsoo and Jang Donghyuk, candidates who advanced to the final runoff of the 6th People Power Party leadership election, greeted party members. Photo by Yonhap News
The People Power Party's Convention Election Management Committee will conduct voting among party members and a public opinion poll of the general public until 10 p.m. on August 25, and will announce the final party leader on the morning of August 26. In the main election held on August 22, only the candidates advancing to the runoff were announced; rankings and vote percentages were not disclosed. While Kim Moonsoo enjoys significantly higher nationwide recognition, Jang Donghyuk is supported by the old mainstream pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol) faction and hardline party members, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
During the June 3 presidential election, Kim Moonsoo gained support from anti-impeachment party members through his hardline remarks. However, upon entering the party leadership runoff, he reached out to the pro-impeachment faction and shifted his focus toward unity. This move is interpreted as an attempt to attract supporters of former party leader Han Donghoon, as well as lawmakers Ahn Cheolsoo and Cho Kyungtae. In contrast, Jang Donghyuk declared, "We cannot move forward with those who undermine the party from within," and instead sought to consolidate the anti-impeachment faction.
A party official stated, "The key will be how many of Han Donghoon's supporters shift their votes to Kim Moonsoo," adding, "If Jang Donghyuk is elected, some party members concerned that the party may become too lopsided might rally behind Kim Moonsoo." However, as the current convention has demonstrated the overwhelming influence of hardline party members, there is also a strong possibility that disappointed voters may shift en masse to Jang Donghyuk.
If Jang Donghyuk is elected, the influence of the pro-Yoon faction and anti-impeachment figures such as Jeon Hangil within the party is expected to become even more solidified. With the Supreme Council currently composed of three anti-impeachment members (Shin Dongwook, Kim Minsu, Kim Jaewon) and two pro-impeachment members (Yang Hyangja, Woo Jaejun), Jang Donghyuk has also pledged to appoint a nominated Supreme Council member from the anti-impeachment faction. A party official said, "Since Kim Moonsoo has no parliamentary base or political debts, a balanced appointment can be expected," but also noted, "There is a possibility that outside forces, such as the Our Republican Party, could be brought in."
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