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Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party, arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on April 15 to attend a continued first trial hearing on charges related to breach of trust in the Daejang-dong case and bribery involving Seongnam FC. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

Momentum is growing within the People Power Party (PPP) for a “third-zone big tent” strategy aimed at uniting conservative and centrist forces against Democratic Party frontrunner Lee Jae-myung. With Lee dominating early polls ahead of the June 3 snap presidential election, PPP figures argue that only a unified anti-Lee front can pose a serious challenge.

On April 15, PPP floor leader Kwon Seong-dong stated at a party strategy meeting, “We must overcome the forces of Lee Jae-myung. Despite our internal differences, this time we share a common mission.”

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo echoed this on SBS Radio, stressing that not only the Reform Party but also anti-Lee factions within the Democratic Party should join the effort. “Once our candidate is chosen, we must build an anti-Lee coalition around them. If necessary, we should even consider a coalition government,” he said.

Former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo also stressed unity, citing the need to collaborate with figures like former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who recently dropped out of the race. Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon added on CBS Radio, “We must form alliances with a broad range of voices in the conservative camp.”

The "big tent" concept—uniting ideologically diverse political forces behind a single candidate—is being framed as essential to countering Lee’s dominance. Potential figures being floated for the coalition include former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon of the New Future Democratic Party, Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok, and Acting President Han Duck-soo.

However, the idea is facing pushback from within the so-called third zone. Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok publicly rebuked the strategy, saying, “Stop stalking the big tent idea. Lee Jun-seok will go his own way. It's the same old politics with a different label.” He dismissed the coalition concept as a "repackaging of past power plays" and a sign of insecurity.

The Democratic Party also criticized the proposal. Pro-Lee lawmaker Jung Sung-ho said on KBS Radio, “Every election brings talk of third-zone candidates and big tents, but they’ve never materialized.” DP lawmaker Park Ji-won told CBS Radio, “This narrative surfaces every election, but it's hollow. A third-zone coalition might actually backfire on the PPP.”

Some analysts suggest the emergence of a strong “Lee Jae-myung is inevitable” narrative (popularly called Eo-Dae-Myung) has dampened Democratic primary engagement, leaving room for potential realignment within progressive ranks. Former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Doo-kwan, who withdrew from the Democratic primary in protest over the rules, warned that the process resembled “anointment of a predetermined nominee.”

Still, with fewer than 50 days remaining until the election, many observers question whether there’s enough time to build a viable big tent. Differing interests among potential allies remain a key obstacle, and experts note that a visibly competitive PPP nominee may be a prerequisite to giving the coalition strategy real traction.