On May 10, 2025, Han Duck-soo, the former Prime Minister of South Korea, officially joined the People Power Party (PPP) amid a significant political shake-up. This move comes just days after he met with Kim Moon-soo, a presidential candidate for the party, to discuss potential unification efforts. The discussions, however, ended in a stalemate, leading to Kim's disqualification as the party's candidate.
Han, who had been running as an independent candidate, emphasized his commitment to the party and the need for unity among its members. In a message to party members shortly after his admission, he stated, "I am not a 'rented sword from the outside'" and highlighted that he has been fighting alongside them against the opposition party's tyranny for the past three years. He urged party members to work together to revive the economy and protect liberal democracy.
During his remarks, Han expressed a palpable sense of urgency, saying, "We must win in the upcoming election. For victory, differences do not matter. If we unite, we will definitely win!" His rhetoric was not just about political strategy; it reflected a deep concern for the future of South Korea, which he believes is at a critical juncture.
Han's entrance into the PPP was marked by procedural resolutions from the party's emergency countermeasures committee and election committee, which facilitated his membership. This formal process highlights the internal dynamics within the PPP as it navigates the complexities of candidate selection and party unity.
Kim Moon-soo, who had been selected as the party's presidential candidate just a week prior, found himself ousted due to the failure of the unification talks with Han. The party's leadership had insisted that unification must occur before the Central Election Management Committee's registration deadline on May 11, 2025. Kim, however, had proposed conducting opinion polls around May 15-16 to gauge support for unification.
In light of these developments, Han's camp has reiterated that his joining the PPP is part of the unification process with Kim. Lee Jeong-hyun, a spokesperson for Han, stated, "If unification does not happen, we will not register as a candidate," emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the party.
As the PPP prepares for the upcoming election, Han's message has resonated with many within the party. He described the party members as "family" rather than mere partners or supporters, urging them to come together with a shared purpose. "From today, we are no longer just partners or supporters; we are family. We must unite as one body to revive the economy, protect liberal democracy, and safeguard our nation," he declared.
Han's vision for the future of South Korea is clear. He believes that the country must continue to progress and that the "miracle of South Korea should not end here." His call to action is not just a political slogan but a reflection of his determination to lead the party and the nation towards a brighter future.
The political landscape within the PPP is rapidly evolving, with internal conflicts and candidate changes stirring up discussions among party members and the public alike. The party's leadership is set to conduct a vote of confidence regarding Han's candidacy, with the final nomination expected at the National Committee meeting on May 11.
Amid the tensions, Kim Moon-soo's camp has voiced strong opposition to the candidate replacement process, labeling it as "obviously illegal." Kim's secretary, Kim Jae-won, stated that they would proceed with candidate registration despite the party's actions to revoke Kim's candidacy. This highlights the potential for further conflict within the party as it heads into a crucial election period.
As the situation unfolds, the PPP faces challenges not only in unifying its candidates but also in presenting a cohesive front to the electorate. Han's leadership will be scrutinized as he attempts to rally support and navigate the complexities of party dynamics. The upcoming election will be a test of his ability to unite the party and appeal to a broader base of voters.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the PPP as they finalize their candidate for the presidential election and attempt to solidify their strategy moving forward. The stakes are high, and the decisions made in these critical moments will shape the future of South Korean politics.
