Seoul: As the deadline for registering presidential candidates approaches, the People Power Party is embroiled in internal conflict over a potential candidate merger. Instead of focusing on narrowing the gap with Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, the party is consumed by a public and bitter struggle among its own contenders, raising questions about its readiness to compete in the presidential election.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the party leadership is insisting on consolidating behind a single candidate-either Kim Moon-soo or Han Duck-soo-before the registration deadline on May 11. However, Kim is fiercely opposed to this idea, accusing party leaders of attempting to oust a legitimately nominated candidate. In response, Floor Leader Kweon Seong-dong has accused Kim of defying the will of party members to cling to his nomination.
Kim’s suggestion to hold a public opinion poll on May 15 or 16 is widely seen as a stalling tactic. This poll would occur after the registration deadline, effectively disqualifying Han from running as the party’s official nominee. Kim seems to be betting that if he remains steadfast, Han will eventually withdraw. However, if the party leadership tries to revoke Kim’s nomination and replace him with Han, it might face legal repercussions. A court injunction in Kim’s favor could plunge the party into an unprecedented crisis.
Regardless of the outcome, the prospect of a “graceful unification” within the party is already lost. Even if a single candidate is agreed upon, the internal rift makes a coordinated and effective campaign unlikely.
The situation arises from a series of strategic missteps by party leadership. Following former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, the leadership failed to seriously reflect on the party’s direction, choosing instead to align with anti-impeachment hardliners. When a snap presidential election became inevitable, the leadership hastily drafted Han Duck-soo as its candidate, sidelining the primary process and undermining party unity.
Kim also faces criticism for his actions. During the primaries, he pledged to quickly unify with Han if nominated, a promise that garnered support from conservative voters. Now, he appears to be reneging on that commitment, attempting to force Han out instead. This reversal risks overshadowing his three-decade political career with accusations of opportunism.
Han, for his part, has shown little initiative to resolve the impasse. His passive approach suggests he is waiting to be nominated without making efforts to secure a merger, which will not help the party navigate its current crisis.
The party has not moved past the impeachment nor articulated a renewed conservative vision. Its much-touted “anti-Lee big tent” strategy is unraveling, and some speculate the party has given up on the election, focusing instead on positioning for the next leadership contest.
In the absence of leaders willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, the party finds itself adrift-fractured by factionalism and devoid of direction. The question remains: how much further must it fall before it changes course?