Kim Moon-soo And Han Dong-hoon Selected For Final Primary

In a significant development for South Korea's political landscape, the People Power Party has selected Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon as the final two candidates for its presidential primary. The announcement was made on April 29, 2025, by the National Power Presidential Candidate Election Steering Committee during a ceremony held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul.

The selection process has been intense, with the first primary conducted entirely through public opinion polls. The second primary, which took place on April 27 and 28, utilized a mixed method of 50% party member votes and 50% public opinion polls. Despite the rigorous selection process, no candidate received a majority of the votes, necessitating a final showdown between the top two candidates.

During the second primary, a total of 390,004 out of 765,773 party members participated, representing a turnout of 50.93%. Although the results of the public opinion polls were not disclosed due to legal restrictions, the committee confirmed that Kim and Han emerged as the frontrunners.

The upcoming final round will see both candidates engage in a debate on April 30, 2025, followed by a final voting period from May 1 to 2, where party member votes and public opinion polls will again be weighted equally. The ultimate decision on who will represent the People Power Party in the presidential election will be made at the National Convention on May 3, 2025.

Kim Moon-soo, a former Minister of Employment and Labor, expressed his determination to win against the Democratic Party's candidate, Lee Jae-myung. He stated, "I will overcome Lee Jae-myung to protect the liberal democracy of the Republic of Korea, revive the economy, and achieve national unity." His campaign centers around the idea of safeguarding democracy from what he perceives as dictatorial tendencies in the opposition.

Han Dong-hoon, the former party leader, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for collaboration. He remarked, "I believe we must stand together as a unified front against Lee Jae-myung, treating Kim not just as a competitor but as a partner in this endeavor." This collaboration is seen as crucial, especially given the divided sentiments within the party regarding the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, which Kim opposed and Han supported.

Despite the optimism surrounding their candidacies, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges. A potential unification with Han Duck-soo, the acting Prime Minister, has been a topic of discussion. Kim has shown strong support for this unification, while Han has opted to focus on the primary process, stating, "It’s not the right time to discuss unification while the primaries are ongoing. We will explore ways to consolidate support after the candidate is confirmed."

Meanwhile, the primary process has seen notable exits. Hong Joon-pyo, a former mayor of Daegu, announced his retirement from politics after failing to advance to the final round. In a press conference held shortly after the results were announced, he expressed gratitude for the support he received over his 30-year political career, stating, "I will return as an ordinary citizen and live freely without the burdens of politics." His departure marks the end of an era for a figure who has been a prominent voice within the party.

Ahn Cheol-soo, who also did not make it to the final round, thanked his supporters and pledged to continue his efforts for the public's welfare, despite his exit from the race. He stated, "Though I may not be a candidate anymore, my commitment to national unity and the future remains unwavering."

As the primary race heats up, the division between the pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions within the party is becoming more pronounced. Analysts predict that the upcoming debate and final voting will not only determine the party's presidential candidate but also solidify the ideological lines that have emerged during the campaign.

With both Kim and Han representing starkly different views on the impeachment of former President Yoon, their upcoming debate is expected to be a critical moment. Kim has criticized the impeachment process, while Han has defended it, setting the stage for a fierce contest that could shape the party's direction moving forward.

The People Power Party is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming days will have lasting implications for its future and South Korea's political landscape. As the candidates prepare for the debate and the final voting, all eyes will be on how they articulate their visions and navigate the complex dynamics of their party.