In a closely watched political contest, Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon have advanced to the final round of the People Power Party's (PPP) presidential primary, following a second primary that revealed no candidate had received a majority of votes. The party will confirm its final candidate on May 3, 2025, through a public opinion poll, setting the stage for an intense showdown between the two remaining contenders.
The results of the second primary were announced on April 29, 2025, by the People Power Party Election Management Committee. This round of voting incorporated both party member votes and national public opinion polls, each accounting for 50% of the total results. The participation was notable, with 394,000 out of 765,773 registered party members casting their votes during the two-day voting period from April 27 to April 28.
Despite the significant turnout, neither candidate reached the necessary majority, forcing a final contest between Kim and Han. Ahn Cheol-soo and Hong Joon-pyo, both of whom also competed in the primary, failed to secure enough support to advance. As a result, the two remaining candidates will face off in a decisive vote.
Kim Moon-soo, who has pledged to work tirelessly to make South Korea a great nation again, stated, "I will do my best so that the people can be happier." His commitment reflects a broader vision for the country, as he aims to address the various crises facing the nation.
Han Dong-hoon echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing unity in the face of competition. He remarked, "I see Kim Moon-soo not as a competitor but as a comrade, and we will become one team to fight against Lee Jae-myung." This statement highlights the collaborative spirit both candidates are trying to foster as they prepare for the upcoming election.
Hong Joon-pyo, who was eliminated from the race, announced his retirement from politics shortly after the results were revealed, stating, "I will not do any more politics." His departure marks a significant moment in the race, as he had been a prominent figure within the party.
Ahn Cheol-soo, despite not advancing, expressed his intent to support the party's eventual nominee, noting, "Our party's victory will be the people's victory and a victory in history." His comments suggest a desire for party unity and a focus on the upcoming general election.
The final contest between Kim and Han is expected to take place against the backdrop of contrasting views on the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Kim has been a vocal opponent of the impeachment, while Han supported it, creating a clear divide that will likely influence their respective campaigns.
To further engage with voters, a one-on-one debate between the two candidates is scheduled for April 30, 2025. Following this debate, the party will conduct another round of voting among its members and the general public from May 1 to May 2, using the same 50-50 weighting as before.
The final decision on the party's presidential candidate will be made during a national convention at Ilsan Kintex on May 3, 2025, at 2 PM. This convention will not only finalize the candidate but also set the tone for the party's strategy moving forward.
While the primary process has been competitive, there are concerns within the party regarding the potential candidacy of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has been rumored to enter the race. This speculation adds an additional layer of complexity to the ongoing selection process, as some party members feel that his potential candidacy could overshadow the primary results.
The PPP leadership has been vocal about the need for a broad coalition, often referred to as the "anti-Lee Jae-myung big tent." This concept aims to unify various factions within the party to present a formidable front against their main opposition in the upcoming election.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, both Kim and Han are preparing their strategies for the final contest. The outcome of this primary will not only determine the PPP's candidate but also shape the direction of the party as it heads into a critical electoral period.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, is also gearing up for the upcoming election. The party is set to launch its Central Election Countermeasures Committee on April 30, 2025, transitioning into a more structured campaign mode. Lee has been focusing on outreach efforts, including meetings with young professionals to discuss pressing economic issues.
As the political campaigns heat up, both parties are keenly aware that the stakes are high. With voter sentiments shifting rapidly, the candidates will need to articulate clear visions for the future while addressing the concerns of the electorate.
In summary, the upcoming days will be crucial for both Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon, as they prepare for their debate and subsequent voting rounds. The outcome of this primary will set the stage for a fierce electoral battle, with both candidates eager to secure their place as the representative of the People Power Party.
