Seoul: The People Power Party (PPP) has officially commenced its presidential primary by naming eight candidates, setting the stage for a decisive internal race ahead of the June 3 election. The process is designed to narrow the field to four and eventually two candidates through a series of debates and polling. However, confusion looms as questions arise about whether the final nominee will indeed be the party's standard-bearer.

According to Yonhap News Agency, much of the uncertainty is linked to discussions about uniting behind Acting President Han Duck-soo, who has yet to declare his candidacy. Rep. Park Soo-young, who is currently supporting candidate Kim Moon-soo, has alleged that more than 50 lawmakers are in favor of Han joining the race. Park has suggested that Kim might serve as a "bridge" to Han, indicating that the primary may not produce a genuine nominee but rather a surrogate.

This notion has fueled speculation that the PPP is not truly selecting a candidate but instead preparing the ground for an outsider. The idea of an "anti-Lee Jae-myung big tent" has further muddied the waters, with some party members proposing a broad coalition involving Han, former PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok-now part of the breakaway Reform Party-and even former Democratic Party Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon. However, these proposals, which prioritize strategy over coherence, overlook critical ideological differences and policy misalignments.

The PPP's turmoil is rooted in its unresolved relationship with impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Despite the Constitutional Court's clear ruling on his abuse of power, the party's leadership largely sympathized with anti-impeachment protests. This stance has alienated moderate voters and discouraged key centrist candidates from joining the race, thereby weakening the field and diminishing the party's appeal beyond its core base.

There are growing calls within the party to cease this self-destructive path. Some voices warn that continuing to leverage "Yoon's will" will only plunge the party back into political turmoil. To maintain its identity, the PPP must reject this trajectory.

Meanwhile, Han Duck-soo's recent visits to industrial sites in Gwangju and Ulsan have garnered attention. His aides claim the visits were to address concerns related to U.S. tariffs. However, without a clear denial of presidential ambitions, the optics suggest otherwise. If the PPP and Han aim to restore public trust, they must forgo tactical maneuvering and commit to a process that upholds constitutional integrity and political responsibility.