The People Power Party of South Korea is currently embroiled in a significant political upheaval as it initiates the process to replace its presidential candidate, Kim Moon-soo, with Han Deok-soo. This decision follows the failure of unification negotiations between Kim and Han, which were intended to consolidate their support ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
On May 10, 2025, at 0:03 AM, Shin Dong-wook, the spokesperson for the People Power Party, announced during a meeting of the Emergency Response Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, that Kim's candidacy would be revoked and a new candidate registration process would commence by the evening of the same day. This announcement came just seven days after Kim had been selected as the party's presidential candidate during a convention held on May 3, 2025.
Shin elaborated that if the re-selection process is completed, Han Deok-soo, who has been identified as a potential unified candidate, would submit his application to join the party. Following this, a new presidential candidate selection process would begin, contingent on the approval of the Emergency Response Committee.
As part of this transition, the People Power Party plans to conduct a vote among its members on the same day to confirm the re-selection of Han as the party's presidential candidate. The results of this vote will be submitted to the National Committee, which will convene on May 11, 2025. If a majority of the National Committee members approve the change, Han will officially replace Kim as the party's candidate.
Previously, on the evening of May 9, 2025, a general meeting of lawmakers was held where it was decided that the authority to re-select candidates would be delegated to the Emergency Response Committee if the negotiations between Kim and Han failed. Out of 64 lawmakers present, 60 voted in favor of this delegation, while two opposed and two abstained.
The urgency behind this decision is tied to the impending deadline for presidential candidate registration on May 11, 2025. The party leadership has emphasized that it is essential for Kim and Han to reach an agreement on a unified candidate before this deadline to enable the unified candidate to campaign effectively.
However, tensions have escalated as Kim's side has announced plans to independently register Kim as a candidate with the Central Election Management Committee, asserting that he remains the official candidate of the People Power Party. Kim Jae-won, Kim's secretary, stated, "Kim Moon-soo is the People Power Party's presidential candidate and will enter the candidate registration process on May 11, 2025," indicating a potential clash between the party's leadership and Kim's faction.
The fallout from this political maneuvering has raised questions about the integrity of the candidate selection process within the People Power Party. Critics have pointed out that the decision to promote Han, who is under investigation for his role in the December 3, 2024, emergency situation, could lead to significant backlash both within the party and from the electorate.
On May 9, 2025, negotiations between Kim and Han's representatives broke down over disagreements concerning the methodology for selecting a unified candidate. Kim's team proposed using a 100% public opinion poll, while Han's team insisted on implementing an 'anti-reverse selection clause' to prevent supporters of the Democratic Party from participating in the poll. This disagreement ultimately led to the collapse of the negotiations.
In light of these developments, Kim's side has taken a firm stance against what they describe as a forced candidate replacement. They argue that the party's procedures must uphold democratic principles and respect the rights of previously selected candidates. As tensions mount, the possibility of legal disputes between Kim's faction and the party leadership looms large, particularly if Kim proceeds with his independent registration.
Amidst the chaos, the People Power Party continues to navigate its internal challenges, seeking to establish a clear path forward as it approaches the critical deadline for candidate registration. The outcome of this political drama will not only determine the party's candidate but could also have lasting implications for its unity and electoral prospects in the upcoming presidential election.
As the day progresses, all eyes will be on the People's Power Party, awaiting the results of the member vote and the subsequent decisions from the National Committee. The stakes are high, and the ramifications of these decisions will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in South Korea.
