Checks Begin After Accepting Han's Unification... The Power Struggle Has Already Started

Power Struggle Over Unification With Acting President Han
Unification Process Expected to Be Contentious Regardless of Final Candidate

The presidential primary candidates from the People Power Party, who had previously agreed to unite under Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister, are now beginning to check Han's influence. As Han's candidacy becomes more likely, analysts say the candidates are jockeying for position over the method of unification. With the announcement of the two finalists for the third round of the primary imminent, it appears that the process of unification, regardless of who becomes the final candidate, will not be easy.

On April 29, Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor, indirectly criticized Han's move to run for president during an appearance on KBS Radio's "Jeonggyeok Sisa," saying, "The country is on fire, and for Han to say he will do something else instead of putting out the fire must weigh heavily and complicate his mind." Ahn Cheolsoo, a People Power Party lawmaker, also commented on Daegu MBC Radio's "Yeoron Hyeonjang," stating, "I hope Han will negotiate properly with the United States and manage the presidential election well."

Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu, questioned the legitimacy of Han's candidacy on Facebook the previous day, saying, "Is it reasonable for the prime minister or a minister from an impeached administration to run for president?" Han Donghoon, former People Power Party leader, also remarked, "Constantly talking about Han during the primary does not look good. It's defeatism."

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The fact that candidates who had previously called for a "big tent" with Han are now expressing discomfort is seen as a strategic move to take the lead in the upcoming unification process. With limited time for unification, securing the initiative is considered crucial. In political circles, the deadline for registering presidential candidates?May 11?is regarded as the last opportunity to maximize the unification effect. A People Power Party official said, "Considering the campaign period and the order of candidate numbers, the unification process should not be prolonged excessively."

There is also criticism that the candidates' initial push for unification as a strategy to win the primary reveals a lack of sincerity. Political commentator Park Sangbyung interpreted the situation by saying, "They reluctantly held Han's hand to win party support, so each is trying to create rules for the game that are advantageous to themselves."

Ultimately, it is expected that a lengthy process will unfold over the conditions for unification after the final candidate is chosen. There are discussions about Han running as an independent and then conducting a 100% public opinion poll, or joining the party and holding a primary with a 50% party member vote and 50% public opinion vote. Depending on the method, the advantages and disadvantages for each candidate may differ. It is also possible that the final candidate could change their stance and refuse unification altogether. A People Power Party lawmaker commented, "I don't think anyone has a concrete roadmap for unification right now," adding, "It's hard to predict how each candidate will act once the real contest begins."

On the afternoon of April 29, the People Power Party will narrow the field from four to two candidates. Given that Kim Moonsoo, Han Donghoon, and Hong Joonpyo are in a close race in recent polls, it would not be surprising for any of them to advance. Some predict that one anti-impeachment (anti-Yoon Sukyeol impeachment) candidate and one pro-impeachment candidate will make it to the final round. Kwon Seongdong, the People Power Party floor leader, told reporters after the party's strategy meeting, "If the party's candidate unites with Han, no one knows who will win," adding, "If the unification process attracts public attention and builds a bigger coalition, it will lay the groundwork for election victory."

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