0
Kim Moon-soo (left) and Han Dong-hoon, finalists in the People Power Party’s 21st presidential primary runoff, pose for a photo before a televised debate at TV Chosun in Jung District, Seoul, on April 30. / Source: National Assembly Press Corps

People Power Party (PPP) presidential contenders Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon showed differing views on whether they should merge their campaigns with acting President Han Duck-soo immediately after the party’s national convention on May 3, where Han is expected to be nominated as a presidential candidate.

During a televised final primary debate on April 30 at TV Chosun’s studio in central Seoul, Kim held up a “yes” sign when asked if a unity deal with Han should happen right after the convention. Han Dong-hoon, in contrast, did not choose either sign directly, instead placing his placard diagonally—effectively signaling a noncommittal “maybe.”

“If Acting President Han runs as an independent, unification is a must,” Kim stressed. “Whoever the candidate is, if we want to defeat Lee Jae-myung, unification is essential.”

Han, however, said, “Right now, our People Power Party should focus on this primary. Making unification the main issue disrespects our party members and won’t help us win.”

He added, “If I become the nominee, I will cooperate with anyone in any way to secure victory—but now is not the time to talk about that.”

Both candidates agreed when asked whether Lee Jun-seok, the presidential nominee of the Reform Party, would be a net positive for the PPP. They each held up a “yes” sign.

“All candidates must unite to block Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party’s one-party dominance,” Kim said. Han echoed the urgency, saying, “As Kim rightly said, we have a vital mission to stop Lee from putting this country at risk.”