In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the People Power Party (PPP), presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo has publicly asserted his authority over party affairs, invoking the 'party priority rights' outlined in Article 74 of the party constitution. During an emergency press conference held on May 8, 2025, at his campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim urged the party leadership to cease their push for a forced unification with former Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, which he characterized as an attempt to undermine his candidacy.
Kim's invocation of the 'party priority rights' comes in the wake of a canceled appointment for Jang Dong-hyuk as the party's chief of staff on May 5, an incident that Kim claims highlights a significant violation of party rules. "The failure to implement this appointment, despite my prior requests, is a serious breach of the party's constitution and regulations," Kim stated, demanding an immediate halt to what he described as an infringement on his rights as the party's presidential nominee.
The crux of the conflict lies in differing interpretations of the 'party priority rights' between Kim and the party leadership. Article 74 of the PPP's constitution grants presidential candidates priority authority over all party matters necessary for effective election campaigning from the date of their nomination until the presidential election day. However, the party leadership, represented by figures like Lee Yang-soo, has countered that such rights do not grant candidates absolute power. Lee remarked, "There is no precedent for the party leadership overriding the decisions of a presidential candidate. Kim's attempts to exert authority above the party rules must stop immediately."
This is not the first time the PPP has faced internal strife over party priority rights. Similar conflicts arose during the 2021 presidential election when then-candidate Yoon Seok-yeol attempted to leverage these rights for personnel decisions, leading to significant tensions within the party. The historical context adds layers to the current dispute, as Kim's situation appears more precarious compared to previous candidates who had stronger backing from party leadership.
In a bold move, Kim declared, "I will not yield to any injustice, and I demand the party leadership to stop their coercive unification efforts. This forced unification is an attempt to remove me from the race, and I am prepared for legal disputes if necessary." He proposed an alternative approach to candidate unification, suggesting a week-long campaign for each candidate followed by a televised debate and public opinion polls, rather than the rushed timeline set by the party leadership.
Despite Kim's strong objections, the PPP leadership remains steadfast in their plans. Kwon Young-se, the chairman of the emergency response committee, announced that the party would proceed with the scheduled unification process, stating, "We will conduct the public opinion polls as planned, regardless of whether the debate takes place." This determination has led to a deepening divide within the party, with Kim accusing the leadership of prioritizing their own agendas over the democratic process.
As the conflict unfolds, the stakes are high for both Kim and the party. The looming candidate registration deadline of May 11, 2025, adds urgency to the negotiations. If an agreement on unification is not reached, it could lead to a split within the party, jeopardizing their chances in the upcoming presidential election.
The Democratic Party has seized upon the discord within the PPP, criticizing it as a power struggle disguised as a unification effort. Party spokesperson Kang Hoon-sik remarked, "The infighting between Kim Moon-soo and Han Deok-soo is ultimately about control within the People Power Party. They have already given up on the presidential election and are now fighting over power for local election nominations."
As the negotiations continue, both sides are set to reconvene later today, but significant differences remain regarding the timing and method of unification. The outcome of this internal struggle will not only shape the PPP's presidential campaign but also impact the party's credibility and unity moving forward. With Kim Moon-soo asserting his rights and the party leadership pushing back, the situation remains fluid and fraught with potential ramifications for all involved.
