Seoul: Four key politicians have advanced to the next stage in the People Power Party's (PPP) presidential nomination race. These candidates are former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo. Their progression was determined through a public opinion poll of 4,000 respondents. However, the PPP has withheld details on the percentage of support each candidate garnered.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the four candidates will now engage in five rounds of debates to decide the final nominee. If a candidate surpasses 50 percent support in a forthcoming public opinion poll, they will be declared the winner. If no one achieves this threshold, a runoff will occur, with the final nominee announced on May 3, one month before the snap presidential election scheduled for June 3.
The primary process has so far failed to capture public interest, with initial debates criticized as lacking substance. Candidates have primarily focused on personal attacks rather than presenting policy visions, a tactic that has not resonated with viewers.
In the upcoming debates, the contenders must prove they can defeat Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the leading candidate in the Democratic Party of Korea's (DPK) primary.
Complicating the race is the potential candidacy of acting President Han Duck-soo. While Han has yet to declare his intentions, his silence is seen as strategic. His decision may hinge on this week's 2+2 trade talks with the United States. A favorable outcome could bolster his political standing and prompt him to enter the race.
Public opinion polls indicate Han's growing popularity. In a recent survey by Jowon C and I, Han emerged as the leading conservative candidate, securing 28.7 percent support, ahead of Kim Moon-soo and Hong Joon-pyo.
Han's rising support complicates the PPP primaries. Senior PPP lawmakers suggest a post-primary runoff might be necessary to unify conservatives and avoid a vote split. If Han enters the race, the PPP nominee could face a significant challenge.
Candidates have differing views on a post-primary contest. Kim is open to collaborating with Han for a unified conservative candidate, while Hong supports the idea of a "big tent" party but has not committed to further competition. Han Dong-hoon opposes a post-primary contest, deeming it disrespectful to the party's process. Rep. Ahn has not commented on the matter.
These positions indicate that the PPP primary outcome will shape both the party's nominee and the conservative party's strategy for the upcoming election.