Kim Min-seok, Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 10th regarding the People Power Party's decision to replace its presidential candidate, "Even elementary school class president elections don’t do it that way," adding, "The People Power Party, the leadership, and those who participated in the candidate replacement process will all be subject to investigation."
Kim noted during a press conference at the party's office in Yeouido, Seoul, that it was handled in a way that could only be carried out with collusion or conspiracy, calling it a "collusion thief candidate re-election assault incident."
He said, "Regardless of any political statements, I think all those involved in the (People Power Party presidential candidate replacement) are in a very serious legal situation," and added, "I believe that the entire process of candidate replacement will likely be subject to investigation, including that party, its leadership, and those who participated."
He continued, "It seems advisable to prepare well for investigations and public questions," and asked, "Isn’t it more important to prepare for an investigation rather than register candidates?"
Kim continued to harshly criticize the People Power Party that day. He said, "Kweon Seong-dong and Kwon Young-se are the greatest fools in the history of conservative parties for trying to blow up the party while trying to seize leadership," and referred to the People Power Party as "a group of fraud and violent political garbage, not a conservative party anymore."
Regarding Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, he stated, "As a fellow politician, I express my deep regret and sorrow for the unfair situation today caused by his party's candidate replacement scheme."
He also strongly criticized the previous day's court ruling that declared Kim's claim to priority in party affairs invalid. Cheon Jun-ho, the strategic headquarters director, noted, "It’s difficult to believe that it’s a judicial ruling, as it reads more like a political commentary," and raised suspicions that the judiciary might be actively intervening in politics.
He also mentioned the possibility of attacks on Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, stating, "I cannot dismiss the suspicion that a military elite cartel, led by Yoon Suk-yeol, Han Duck-soo, and Cho Hee-yeon, is in operation. I see the possibility of extreme measures increasing significantly."
Cheon stated, "The campaign committee and the Democratic Party will respond with all necessary measures against assassination terrorism, judicial terrorism, and political terrorism by the military elite cartel."
Kim, the Chairperson, also stated, "After the internal coup d'état of the People Power Party that took place this morning, I wonder if there is anything to expect from the People Power Party other than terrorism against candidates," adding, "Numerous concerns and reports are pouring in and (the security for this candidate) is one of our deepest concerns."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is holding a counter-terrorism strategy meeting that day to prepare for threats against this candidate.