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Kim Moon-soo (left), presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), meets with independent presidential contender Han Duck-soo at the Riverside Library inside the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on May 8 to discuss a potential single candidacy. / Photo by Song Ui-joo, songuijoo@

As efforts to unify ruling People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo and independent hopeful Han Duck-soo teeter on the brink of collapse, PPP lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun has proposed that 20 lawmakers leave the party to form a new political bloc and endorse Han as their candidate.

The proposal appears to stem from concerns that a failure to unify the conservative vote could lead to a catastrophic collapse of the right-wing bloc in the upcoming presidential election.

According to PPP sources on May 8, Yoon presented his plan during a closed-door party caucus, suggesting that a group of lawmakers could defect and support Han through an already registered third party. “The leadership should decide to send more than 20 lawmakers to a third path,” Yoon was quoted as saying. “We can merge with an existing party.”

Speaking with Channel A, Yoon said, “While the demands of party members and the public are strong and I understand the leadership’s anguish, forcing unification without the candidate’s consent risks violating proper procedure and undermining party democracy. It could politicize the judiciary and drag the entire party into legal chaos.”

The PPP leadership has also been urging both candidates to reach a deal, even if it means staying up all night to finalize an agreement.

During the private caucus, various ideas were reportedly discussed to persuade Kim to agree to a unified candidacy.

Meanwhile, some within the party argue that the third-party endorsement plan must be executed quickly due to time constraints. “Right now, the third-party proposal seems to carry weight, but it must be pursued swiftly,” a PPP insider said. “Since Kim has already filed an injunction with the court to confirm his status as the PPP’s presidential candidate, prompt action is needed.”