Seoul: People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who also declared his presidential bid, have held phone talks Saturday and agreed to meet soon, an official said, amid speculation over a possible merger of the conservative candidacy.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han called Kim to congratulate him on winning the conservative party's primary held earlier in the day and suggested they meet at an early date, Lee Jung-hyun, spokesperson for Han's election camp, told a press briefing.
Kim welcomed the suggestion, Lee said, adding their 10-minute conversation did not include details on the exact date for their envisioned meeting or other issues, such as the timing and rules of the potential merger.
In an interview with TV Chosun later Saturday, Han said he is "completely open" as to the means of unifying the candidacy with Han. "If we can work together to pass on our country's future to the younger generation, the means are not important at all," he said.
In a statement, Han's side expressed willingness to cooperate with Kim, stressing the June 3 presidential election will be a "watershed" to determine whether South Korea can overcome extreme division and chaos and move forward. The deadline for presidential candidate registration is May 11.