The People Power Party (PPP) has officially narrowed down its candidates for the second round of the presidential primary during its first cut-off held on April 22, 2025. The party announced that four candidates—Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo—will advance to the next stage of the selection process.
In a competitive atmosphere, the eight candidates had been actively campaigning until the very end, appealing to supporters through site visits and policy announcements. The selection of the four candidates was determined entirely by public opinion polls, conducted by five polling organizations that surveyed a total of 4,000 individuals, with 800 respondents from each organization. Notably, the polls only included responses from supporters of the PPP and undecided voters to prevent reverse selection.
Kim Moon-soo, a former Minister of Employment and Labor, emerged as a prominent candidate, promising to tackle youth housing issues with initiatives like a "university half-price monthly rent program" and expanding one-person apartments and officetels. His political background includes being a labor activist and a seasoned politician with experience as a three-term National Assembly member and a two-term governor of Gyeonggi-do.
Ahn Cheol-soo, a lawmaker and former IT entrepreneur, has also made a significant mark in the race. His campaign focuses on constitutional amendments aimed at reducing the powers of the presidency and the National Assembly, as well as fostering five strategic industries, including AI and biotechnology. Ahn previously entered politics in 2012 and has a history of forming and dissolving political parties, which showcases his adaptability in the political arena.
Han Dong-hoon, known for his background as a special prosecutor and a close aide to President Yoon Suk-yeol, is another key contender. His proposals include creating five mega-cities across the country and investing 200 trillion won in artificial intelligence. His experience in high-profile legal cases has made him a notable figure within the party.
Meanwhile, Hong Joon-pyo, a veteran politician and former mayor of Daegu, rounds out the final four candidates. He has served multiple terms as a National Assembly member and has a reputation for his strong stances on various issues, including the introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and extending retirement age. His political journey has been marked by significant electoral contests, including a run against former President Moon Jae-in.
The cut-off results have left Na Kyung-won, Yang Hyang-ja, Yoo Jeong-bok, and Lee Cheol-woo out of the race. Na Kyung-won, who was seen as a potential contender, had been vying for the final spot against Ahn Cheol-soo, but ultimately did not secure enough support to advance. Her campaign had focused on supporting small business owners and self-employed individuals, which she emphasized during her appearances.
As the candidates prepare for the next round, they are engaging in various outreach efforts. Kim Moon-soo has been holding daily policy announcements, while Hong Joon-pyo is leveraging media appearances to discuss his vision. Han Dong-hoon is set to present his policy vision at the National Assembly and engage with the education community, reflecting the candidates' strategies to solidify their bases.
The next stage of the PPP's primary process will involve a second debate, followed by another cut-off scheduled for April 29, 2025. This time, the selection will be based on a combination of 50% general public opinion polls and 50% votes from party members, which adds another layer of complexity to the race.
Looking ahead, the final candidate will be determined at the national convention on May 3, 2025. If any candidate secures more than half of the votes in the second primary, they will be confirmed as the presidential candidate without the need for further rounds.
The dynamics of the presidential race are further complicated by the varying support levels among the candidates. If Na Kyung-won had advanced, a scenario could have emerged where Han Dong-hoon, who supports impeachment, would face off against three candidates opposed to it, creating a unique electoral landscape. However, with Ahn Cheol-soo in the mix, the competition could shift to a more balanced structure with two pro-impeachment and two anti-impeachment candidates.
This primary race is poised to shape the future of the People Power Party as it approaches the presidential election scheduled for June 3, 2025. The candidates are not only battling for their party's nomination but also for the hearts and minds of the electorate as they propose solutions to pressing national issues.
The stakes are high as the PPP seeks to unify its base and present a strong front in the upcoming election. With the political landscape constantly evolving, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining who will lead the party into the presidential race.
