Han Duck-soo expresses strong disapproval, referring to a potential failure of the candidate merger as a betrayal and a act of treachery.
Han Duck-soo Speaks Up at Debate Amidst Political Chaos
In the heart of Seoul, on the 6th of May, independent conservative presidential candidate Han Duck-soo took center stage at a pressing debate hosted by the press in Koreana Hotel, Jung District. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
This event was a battleground for Han amidst the tumultuous political landscape, as he faced mounting pressure to unite with People Power Party's (PPP) candidate, Kim Moon-soo.
Han, a former prime minister, has positioned himself as a unifier criticial of liberal policies, but it's not been an easy road for him.
Unyielding or Facing Elimination?Han has been under immense pressure to merge with Kim Moon-soo, voicing failure to do so as a "serious betrayal and treachery of the people." The urgency is propelled by the looming May 11 deadline to secure election subsidies and avoid financial liability personally, as missing the deadline could force him to shoulder billions of won in campaign costs. [2][3]
Keen Criticisms and Policy ClashesHan's anti-liberal rhetoric is stark, branding Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung's economic policies as "ideological" and dangerous. He maintains that Lee's proposals would lead to national collapse, labelling universal cash handouts and "reckless impeachment motions" as populist moves. [2]
Meanwhile, Han argues his own policies are more stable and nationally beneficial, dismissing Lee's political experience as "built on wrong foundations." [2]
Partitioned Party and Kim's SuspensionThe PPP leadership, led by interim chief Kwon Young-se, seeks a merger via a party-wide poll, favoring Han due to his stronger polling numbers. However, PPP nominee Kim Moon-soo has suspended his campaign, accusing the party of sidelining him and forming a "unification task force" without his input. Polls indicate that Han outperforms Kim against Lee Jae-myung, but trails the liberal candidate in both scenarios. [1][2]
Han's campaign is a calculated gamble on conservative unity and policy expertise, as he navigates party infighting and liberal rivals with his administrative experience as former prime minister.
- Han Duck-soo expressed strong opposition to merging with Kim Moon-soo, stating that failure to do so would be a betrayal of the people and a serious setback for his presidential campaign.
- In a press conference in Seoul on May 6th, Han criticized the economic policies of his liberal rival, Lee Jae-myung, calling them ideological and dangerous.
- Citing universal cash handouts and "reckless impeachment motions" as populist moves, Han argued that Lee's policies would lead to national collapse.
- In contrast, Han presented his own policies as stable and more beneficial for the nation, claiming that Lee's political experience is built on wrong foundations.
- Amidst concerns about securing election subsidies and avoiding financial liability, Han's campaign strategy is centered on conservative unity and his experience as a former prime minister.
- The PPP, led by interim chief Kwon Young-se, has proposed a party-wide poll to merge with Han, but nominee Kim Moon-soo has suspended his campaign, accusing the party of sidelining him and forming a "unification task force" without his input.
