Unification Political Landscape, Is Kim Dong-yeon the First Candidate?

Wanju - At a Crossroads of Resignation, Deep in Thought
Possibility of Unification with Lee Jae-myung Emerges

Kim Dong-yeon, New Wave presidential candidate. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Jun-yi and Geum Bo-ryeong] Kim Dong-yeon, the presidential candidate of Saerounmulgyeol, is reportedly on the verge of making a decision between 'completing the presidential race' and 'withdrawing.' Analysts suggest that given the realistic difficulties he faces, he may pull out the 'unification card' with Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, potentially acting as a catalyst for unification.

A Saerounmulgyeol official said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 10th, "Candidate Kim is in the final stages of deliberation over whether to register as a candidate," adding, "If he decides not to complete the race, he is expected to announce his position sometime this week or early next week." Ahead of the candidate registration period (13th-14th), Kim has recently suspended all schedules except for a private campaign committee meeting. The campaign committee is also waiting solely for the candidate's decision.

The reason for Kim's hesitation, despite his previously strong determination to complete the race, is said to be practical issues such as high election costs and low approval ratings. Running for president typically requires a deposit of 30 million KRW and tens to hundreds of millions of KRW for banners, promotional materials, and campaign vehicles. However, the total amount Kim has raised so far is about 250 million KRW, which is the limit for party member donations. Regarding this, Kim stated on Facebook the day before, "It is like fighting with a rifle on a battlefield where missiles are raining down," and added, "I will conduct the election transparently and cleanly within the legally received donation limits. Although I am facing this with a rifle, I will be frugal and conduct the campaign honorably in the eyes of the people." Moreover, with his approval ratings remaining in the 0% range, it is necessary to consider whether completing the race is worthwhile.

Attention is focused on the possibility of 'unification' with candidate Lee. According to political circles, Lee's side has responded positively to Kim's proposal for a two-person debate and is actively making 'love calls' through behind-the-scenes contacts. A Saerounmulgyeol official explained, "Proposals for unification are coming in frequently from various places," adding, "However, the candidate said he would consider whether his goal is to complete the race or achieve it through other means."

If Kim unifies with Lee, it could also act as a catalyst for the unification between Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, and Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party. Since neither of the two major parties shows a clear dominance, the 'Kim-Lee synergy' could trigger a sense of crisis regarding regime change.

Within the People Power Party, the importance of unification with candidate Ahn is gradually being recognized. A senior member of the People Power Party said in a phone interview, "There is a growing consensus among incumbent lawmakers that unification is necessary," adding, "Voices demanding unification will soon be raised."

Statements urging the unification of the two candidates are also continuing, making it increasingly difficult to ignore. At 11 a.m. on the same day, In Myung-jin, former emergency committee chairman of the Liberty Korea Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party), held a press conference at the National Assembly with civic society figures to call for unification. It is reported that the number of people sharing this intention has exceeded 9,000 since the 7th. Immediately afterward, former National Assembly Speakers Kim Hyung-o and Chung Ui-hwa also issued statements at the National Assembly demanding a 'quick unification.' In a phone interview, former Speaker Kim said, "If the opposition cannot unify among themselves while calling for national unity, what will happen? We must first achieve small-scale unification, so unification must happen quickly," emphasizing, "Unification is the path to victory." About 200 former lawmakers have expressed their intention to join the statement. Former Speaker Kim said, "Although I started asking for opinions on the night of the 7th, practically, this many people agreed within just two days, the 8th and 9th," adding, "This shows how strong the desire for unification is even within conservative parties."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.