“Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate)'s judicial risk has increased, which is a good signal. The People Power Party was always at a disadvantage against this candidate's overwhelming approval rating, but now there's hope.”
An anonymous supporter met in front of KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, where the People Power Party's national convention was held on the afternoon of the 3rd, said in an excited voice.
That day, at the entrance of KINTEX, supporters of Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon, who were both candidates in the presidential primary, were fiercely cheering each other on. As one of the candidates would be selected as the final presidential candidate through the convention, they were mounting a last-minute offensive.
The two sides set up cheering booths just 10 meters apart and chanted the names of their supported candidates loudly. When a supporter from one candidate's side crossed into the area promised by the other camp, a supporter of Candidate Kim yelled, “Go to the side” in protest. There was also a loud exchange among supporters in front of the photo zone where standees of the two candidates were located.
That day, among supporters of the People Power Party's presidential primary candidates, there was an atmosphere of expectation that public sentiment might shift due to the judicial risk of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate.
Mr. Ahn Hongsik, an advisor at the People Power Party's central committee and a member for the past 30 years, expressed his support, saying, “I believe that candidate Kim Moon-soo, who has been in the conservative camp for a long time, must become president to uphold conservative values.”
Mr. Ahn stated, “Until now, I thought there was no one who could defeat candidate Lee Jae-myung,” and added, “However, I believe that the centrist group, which does not want the prolongation of chaos, is more likely to vote for the People Power Party candidate.”
Ms. Shin Yeon-hee, who said she came from Ansan, noted, “I arrived early at the venue to support candidate Han Dong-hoon,” and added, “I believe that the young and capable candidate Han Dong-hoon will establish proper youth policies and lead the country in the right direction.”
Ms. Shin remarked, “I believe the retrial regarding candidate Lee Jae-myung is being conducted according to law. I think it will also positively affect the People Power Party's chances of regaining power.”
On the 2nd, the Supreme Court's en banc committee partially acknowledged the allegations of false statements regarding the Public Official Election Act against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court. There are projections that should the candidate win, he could lose his position due to the retrial verdict. Currently, candidate Lee shows an overwhelming approval rating in major polls at around 40%.
Regarding the recent announcement of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's candidacy, supporters expressed mixed evaluations. Supporter Lee Hyang-sook of candidate Kim noted, “I think it would be fine for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to run as a unified candidate for the greater good,” adding, “It is important for the conservative camp to recreate the regime, and candidate Kim Moon-soo also agrees.”
On the other hand, supporter Park Young-min of candidate Han stated, “I believe former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo lacks the conservative colors expected of him,” adding, “He may not have a beneficial impact on the conservative camp if he becomes president.”
That day, the People Power Party will select the candidate with the most votes among Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon based on the results of the voting conducted from the 1st to the 2nd, which included 50% party member voting and 50% public opinion polling. The results of the counting are expected to be announced around 3:46 p.m.