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Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate from the ruling People Power Party (PPP), answers questions from reporters after a meeting with independent presidential hopeful Han Duck-soo to discuss candidate unification at a restaurant in Seoul on May 7. / Photo by Park Sung-il

Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), declared on May 8 that he would no longer accept what he described as “forced candidate unification” orchestrated by the party leadership. Citing Article 74 of the party constitution, Kim invoked his authority to take control of all campaign matters and announced that any negotiations with independent candidate Han Duck-soo would be led by him personally.

At an emergency press conference held at 8:50 a.m. at his campaign office in Yeouido, Kim strongly criticized the PPP leadership for allegedly attempting to replace him despite his official nomination through the party convention held on May 3.

“Since the convention, I haven’t had a single peaceful day,” Kim said. “Instead of celebrating, I’ve had to confront efforts to push me out—efforts that I confirmed were real just last night," Kim said. 

Kim questioned the rationale behind the party’s move to support Han, who has yet to formally register as a presidential candidate, while bypassing the official nominee chosen through a competitive primary process. He also criticized what he called a “pre-arranged scenario,” accusing the party of preparing a campaign team for Han even before the unification talks began.

“Why is the party trying to remove its own nominee for the sake of an unregistered independent candidate?” he asked. “Was this all planned in advance?”

Kim proposed an alternative path forward, calling for a one-week joint campaign, followed by a televised debate next Wednesday and a two-day public opinion poll to decide on a unified candidate. He emphasized that such a process must generate public support and legitimacy.

“This kind of forced unification, lacking narrative and inspiration, won’t earn the people’s trust,” he said. “Without that trust, we are headed toward mutual ruin.”

Kim stated that he would not participate in any party-organized debates or events that were scheduled without his consent. He warned that the ongoing pressure from the leadership could escalate into legal conflict, referring to it as a de facto candidate replacement.

“From this moment, I will no longer tolerate the leadership’s coercive attempts,” Kim said. “I will respond with appropriate measures if this continues.”

Despite his sharp criticism, Kim said he remains open to further negotiations with Han Duck-soo and expressed willingness to continue working toward what he called “an agreement to save the country.”

“I am ashamed of the current situation,” he added. “But I will do everything I can to win this election for the future of this country.”

Kim ended his remarks by reaffirming his determination to fight back against internal pressure and to ultimately prevail. “I am a legitimate and fair presidential candidate,” he said. “I know how to fight, and I will win.”