SEOUL, May 01 (AJP) - Han Dong-hoon, one of two finalists in the ruling People Power Party’s presidential primary, on Thursday criticized growing calls among party lawmakers to consolidate the party’s candidacy with Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, accusing them of prioritizing their political survival over winning the election.
“For some individuals, the goal is not victory in the presidential election but the preservation of their vested interests,” Han said in a radio interview.
His comments contrasted sharply with those of his rival, Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister, who has expressed openness to unification talks with the acting president. The party will choose its candidate between Han Dong-hoon and Kim Moon-soo at the national convention on May 3.
The PPP has been mired in turmoil since the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, with many party members fearing they have little chance of winning the early election triggered by Yoon's ouster.
Amid these concerns, a growing number of party leaders and lawmakers have pushed for a unified candidacy with Acting President Han, who maintains strong support among pro-Yoon factions.
Han Dong-hoon warned that such moves were both misguided and dangerous.
“Some believe that even if we lose the election, it will be enough to maintain control of the party and secure nominations,” he said. “This is a grave mistake. If we lose to Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, we will face severe political retaliation.”
Han also shared a newspaper column on Facebook that claimed senior PPP members were desperate to block his nomination, fearing it would threaten their influence in future elections.
He further criticized reports that party leaders were considering changing the PPP's name — a move reportedly floated in response to demands from Democratic Party-affiliated figures, including Lee Nak-yon, as a condition for an electoral alliance.
“It is shocking that there are attempts to sell out the pride of our party members and secretly change the party’s name,” Han said. “Discussions about a name change must come from within the party. We must not allow outside forces to dictate our future.”
Han said he was willing to do whatever was necessary to secure victory but drew a line at outside influence.
“I will not allow the party to be manipulated by figures affiliated with the Democratic Party or the former Moon Jae-in administration,” he said. “It is extremely disappointing to see the leadership behaving this way.”
reporter
Kim Dong-young
davekim0807@ajupress.com
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