Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, addressed the party's policy meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on May 9, 2025, emphasizing the urgency of unifying presidential candidates ahead of the upcoming elections.
During the meeting, Kwon announced that Kim Moon-soo, the party's presidential candidate, would attend the general meeting of lawmakers at 11 a.m. He expressed his excitement, stating, "This is a very welcome and meaningful decision," and added that he hopes Kim's sincere efforts for communication will lead to a conclusion that meets the expectations of party members.
Kwon urged Kim to finalize a unification agreement with Han Deok-soo, a preliminary candidate, before May 11. He warned that if the unification process extends beyond that date, it would lack justification and substance. "A late unification after the 11th has neither reason nor substance," Kwon asserted, stressing that the party members are eager for a swift resolution.
He pointed out that during the primary, Kim had promised a quick unification, which many party members and supporters believed in. Kwon stated, "Eighty-two percent of party members support unification, and over 86% demand that it be completed before May 11." He expressed disappointment over the lack of results from the recent meeting between Kim and Han, which took place on May 8 and lasted about an hour.
Kwon described the outcome of that meeting as falling short of expectations, saying, "The longer the unification process drags on, the deeper the emotional rift between the two candidates' supporters will grow." He warned that delays in unification could only benefit Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, stating, "The more we delay unification, the more it only benefits the criminal Lee Jae-myung's faction."
In his remarks, Kwon underscored the significance of unification for the party's electoral prospects, saying, "The election outcome depends on Kim's decision, and we must consider what it means to protect South Korea from the threats posed by Lee Jae-myung's faction." He urged Kim to make a decisive decision that reflects the expectations of party members.
Furthermore, Kwon criticized the Democratic Party for what he described as a display of arrogance as the election approaches, mentioning that they are preparing for an internal selection process. He reiterated that the People Power Party must come together and present a unified front to face the Democratic Party.
As the conversation progressed, Kwon highlighted that Kim had proposed conducting an opinion poll between May 15 and May 16 to determine the unified candidate. However, Kwon argued that this proposal does not align with the party members' desire for a swift unification. He stated, "This does not meet the expectations of our party members who are calling for quick action."
Kwon's remarks reflect a growing sense of urgency within the People Power Party as the May 11 deadline for candidate registration approaches. He expressed hope that Kim would heed the calls of party members for a quick resolution to the unification issue.
Kim Moon-soo's attendance at the general meeting of lawmakers would mark his first public appearance since being selected as the party's presidential candidate just three days earlier. An official from Kim's side indicated that while his attendance was not yet confirmed, the likelihood of him participating was high.
As the political landscape in South Korea continues to evolve, the People Power Party faces significant pressure to unify its candidates and present a cohesive strategy to challenge the Democratic Party in the upcoming presidential elections. Kwon's statements reflect the heightened stakes as the party navigates internal dynamics and external pressures.
In conclusion, the call for swift unification within the People Power Party underscores the critical nature of decision-making as the elections draw near. The party's ability to present a united front could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the electoral contest against the Democratic Party.
