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Kim Moon-soo, former labor minister and presidential candidate, announces his bid for party leader during a press conference at People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on July 20. / Photo by Park Sung-il

With the ruling People Power Party (PPP) convention now scheduled for August 22, prominent contenders are stepping forward. On July 20, former presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo officially declared his candidacy for party leader, vowing to stop what he called the “runaway Lee Jae-myung administration” and internal party divisions. Meanwhile, speculation is rising over a potential alliance between former party leader Han Dong-hoon and Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, both of whom supported the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol—an emerging political alignment dubbed the “ChanTan Alliance.”

Speaking at party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim Moon-soo promised to transform the PPP into a “strong opposition party,” pledging to build a party led by its members, committed to pragmatic policy, fierce in opposition, and grounded in research. “With the foundations of our free Republic of Korea under threat, I decided to run in order to restore faith in the party,” Kim said.

He also directly criticized President Lee Jae-myung’s legal controversies. “Five criminal trials against President Lee were halted as soon as he took office,” Kim said, accusing the judiciary of bending to political pressure by indefinitely postponing trials without legal grounds. Following his announcement, Kim visited flood-stricken areas as his first campaign activity.

Rep. Jang Dong-hyuk is also weighing a bid. Jang has been consolidating support after publicly criticizing Innovation Committee Chair Yoon Hee-sook, who had named him as part of the first wave of necessary personnel reform.

Meanwhile, a potential alliance is forming between “ChanTan” figures—those who supported the impeachment of former President Yoon. Han Dong-hoon and Ahn Cheol-soo are reportedly considering strategic cooperation to reform the party, concerned by recent moves by pro-Yoon factions to consolidate power.

On July 19, Han and Ahn met for lunch in central Seoul. Han, still undecided on whether to run, is said to have told allies he is “willing to work with anyone to stop the far-right from taking over the party.” His remarks come as concern grows over the pro-Yoon camp’s increasing influence, especially after Jeon Han-gil—a former Korean history lecturer and staunch Yoon supporter—announced he would back any candidate supporting Yoon or run himself if none step forward. Jeon officially joined the PPP in June.

Though Ahn has not commented publicly on the meeting, he has voiced concern about internal party polarization. Recently, he wrote on Facebook, “Chair Yoon Hee-sook’s reform efforts deserve respect,” adding, “I may disagree on some points, but I believe we share the same urgent need for party reform.”

Ahn is expected to launch his campaign soon and will kick off a “public sentiment tour” on July 22, visiting key regions like Daejeon and Suwon. His itinerary in Daejeon includes a visit to the National Cemetery, the PPP’s regional office, and cultural hotspots such as Seongsimdang Bakery and Eunhaengjeong-gil Street.

Rep. Cho Kyung-tae will officially declare his candidacy at the National Assembly on July 21.

Former Rep. Na Kyung-won, once considered a potential contender, announced she will not run. “I will engage more with party members and the public for the future of the PPP and Korea,” she posted on Facebook.