On May 3, 2025, Kim Moon-soo was officially selected as the presidential candidate for the People Power Party (PPP) during the party's fifth national convention held in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. This decision marks a significant moment in South Korea's political landscape as the conservative camp prepares for a crucial presidential election scheduled for June 3, 2025.
The final vote count revealed that Kim garnered 56.53% of the total votes, surpassing his rival, Han Dong-hoon, who received 43.47%. The voting process was a combination of party member votes and public opinion polls, each accounting for 50% of the total. This polling took place over two days, from May 1 to May 2, 2025, with a total voter turnout of 52.62% among the party's eligible members.
In his acceptance speech, a visibly determined Kim stated, "Even if my body is shattered, I will definitely win," emphasizing the importance of preventing someone who has tarnished the National Assembly with lies and crimes from becoming the president of South Korea. He expressed his commitment to reforming the political landscape, advocating for changes to the 1987 political system, and promised to abolish the pre-voting system and the immunity from arrest for National Assembly members.
However, the political landscape remains fluid as discussions regarding potential unification with Han Dong-hoon, the former Prime Minister, are anticipated. Han had previously declared his candidacy for the presidency on May 2, 2025, just a day before Kim's selection, and political analysts are closely watching the dynamics between the two candidates.
Within the PPP, there is a growing consensus that unification with Han is essential to consolidate support against the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung, who appears to be gaining momentum in the race. Kim Moon-soo has indicated his willingness to form a coalition with any force necessary to prevent Lee's faction from gaining power. He stated, "I will build a strong coalition with any force to prevent the concentration of power by Lee Jae-myung's faction," highlighting his commitment to a united front.
The urgency for a unified candidate has led the PPP to set a deadline of May 7, 2025, for selecting a unified candidate, as the final registration date for presidential candidates is May 11, 2025. This timeline adds pressure on Kim and Han to reach an agreement swiftly, as the party navigates a complex political landscape.
Political circles anticipate that practical negotiations for unification will commence as soon as May 4, 2025. Various methods of unification are being discussed, including a political compromise similar to the 1997 alliance between Kim Dae-jung and Kim Jong-pil, or a public opinion poll method akin to the 2002 strategy used by Roh Moo-hyun and Chung Mong-joon. The prevailing view within the PPP is that a public opinion poll could ensure fairness and acceptance among party members, given the importance of legitimacy in the election.
Despite these discussions, concerns remain regarding potential disagreements over the specifics of survey questions and methodologies, which could lead to protracted negotiations. The political atmosphere is charged, with the current presidential race shaping up to be a four-way contest featuring Lee Jae-myung, Kim Moon-soo, Lee Jun-seok of the Reform New Party, and Han Dong-hoon, who is currently running as an independent.
Kim's victory in the PPP primary is seen as a reflection of the party's base, which has been increasingly vocal about the need for unification within the conservative camp. Supporters of Kim, particularly those aligned with the 'anti-Yoon' faction, have rallied behind him, viewing his leadership as a means to challenge the Democratic Party's dominance.
In a direct response to the calls for unification, Kim stated, "I will pursue unification through procedures and methods that can be accepted by the public and party members." This statement reinforces his commitment to a collaborative approach, aiming to unite the conservative factions against the Democratic Party's influence.
As the political landscape evolves, the potential unification between Kim and Han could significantly alter the dynamics of the upcoming election. If successful, it would enable the PPP to maintain its identity while consolidating support against the Democratic Party. Conversely, should Han emerge as the final candidate after the public announcement, he may run as an independent or under a new party banner, complicating the electoral scenario further.
Overall, the selection of Kim Moon-soo as the PPP's candidate marks a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the presidential election, setting the stage for intense negotiations and strategic alliances as the conservative camp seeks to present a united front against their opponents. With the election date approaching, all eyes will be on the developments within the party as they navigate the complexities of unification and electoral strategy.
