Seoul: People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo convened a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the potential unification of their candidacies ahead of the forthcoming June 3 election. Despite their efforts, the talks concluded without reaching an agreement.
According to Yonhap News Agency, with only four days left before the official candidate registration deadline, both candidates have been pursuing a unified conservative front to challenge Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who currently leads the opinion polls. The meeting, which lasted approximately 75 minutes, took place at a restaurant in central Seoul and was conducted without any aides present.
Post-meeting, Han's spokesperson, Lee Jung-hyun, reported that no specific agreement was achieved. Kim echoed this sentiment, describing the discussions as lacking "meaningful progress" and expressing regret over the outcome. Han chose not to attend the subsequent press briefing, departing immediately after the meeting concluded without a deal.
Kim indicated that he had suggested ideas for consolidating the conservative candidacy, but Han remained firm on his previously stated position. The two have agreed to reconvene for a follow-up meeting on Thursday at 4 p.m., though the location is yet to be determined.
Earlier that day, Han held a press conference where he announced his decision not to register for the race unless an agreement with Kim is reached before the May 11 deadline. He also expressed willingness to unconditionally accept the PPP's terms for a candidacy merger.
The meeting unfolded amidst growing internal tensions within the conservative PPP, with Kim publicly criticizing the party leadership for allegedly pressuring him to withdraw in favor of Han. During a general meeting of its lawmakers earlier in the day, the party prioritized the potential unification of Kim and Han's candidacies on its agenda.
As the meeting concluded without any significant progress, the party leadership introduced a "roadmap" for unification, suggesting a TV debate on Thursday followed by an internal poll to assess member support for either candidate. PPP spokesman Shin Dong-wook stated that the leadership presented the plan to lawmakers and expressed its intention to proceed, although it remains uncertain if the candidates will accept the proposal.
Kim has paused his campaign activities since Tuesday, citing what he perceives as the party's lack of support for his candidacy. Kim, a former labor minister, was nominated by the PPP as its presidential candidate last week. Han, running as an independent, has embarked on his first-ever bid for elected office after decades in appointed government roles.