"Lee Jun-seok is someone who has even served as the representative of our party. You might have seen the TV debate, but there is hardly any difference between the two. Isn't it right to do it together?" (Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the People Power Party)
"(Unification) The very procedure and process will look very retrogressive, so I have no intention of doing it at all." (Lee Jun-seok, presidential candidate of the Reform Party)
With the 6·3 presidential election just two weeks away, the greatest concern in the conservative camp remains whether Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party and Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party will unify. Candidate Kim has been repeatedly sending love calls to candidate Lee, but Lee Jun-seok has stated, "I have no thoughts on it at all," reiterating his determination to complete the race. Currently, it is understood that no official channels for unification have been activated.
In the political arena, the first deadline for the two candidates' unification is pointed out as the day before the printing of the election ballots (24th).
According to a comprehensive report by ChosunBiz on the 20th, there is speculation within the People Power Party that if Lee Jun-seok fails to exceed 10% in voter support, he will not be reimbursed for any election expenses, which could lead to significant pressure depending on the polling trend.
According to election law, if the voter support rate is over 15%, the full amount of election costs is reimbursable, and if it is between 10% and 15%, half of it is reimbursable.
A survey conducted by EveryResearch at the request of EveryNews and Media Local, targeting 1,000 men and women aged 18 and older nationwide on the 19th, shows that candidate Lee Jun-seok's support rate stands at 8.5%.
Following the broadcast of the first presidential candidates' TV debate held on the 18th, this is a regrettable point for candidate Lee, who had expected to enter double digits in support. Candidate Lee Jae-myung received 46.0%, while candidate Kim Moon-soo received 41.6% (with a 100% wireless ARS telephone survey; for details, refer to the website of the Central Election Polling Review Committee).
However, contrary to the expectations of the People Power Party, the Reform Party is taking the position that it is not greatly concerned about election cost reimbursement. A Reform Party official noted, "Our campaign method is guerrilla-style, so there won’t be much expense. There is no financial issue at all."
He also remarked, "(After the debate) there is a flowing current that only Lee Jun-seok is viable. I believe we have captured an opportunity for a turnaround," and added, "I hope the People Power Party makes the decision to withdraw (from the race)."
In reality, some figures within the conservative faction appear to be trying to persuade candidate Kim to withdraw. Ham Ik-byeong, co-chair of the Reform Party's campaign committee, said, "An external organization from the People Power Party continuously persuades candidate Kim Moon-soo, saying that 'conducting the election as young future conservatives is the only way to win.'"
The background for candidate Lee's firm stance on unification is also a strategic judgment considering next year's local elections. There are significant concerns about losing the 'uncompromised conservativeness' image built over time, which could risk diminishing both mid-term expansion capability and independent persuasiveness. This is calculated to bring more cons than pros, as it could weaken his independent competitiveness in next year's local elections.
The People Power Party still hopes that candidate Lee will take a proactive stance toward unification in the remaining 14 days.
Shin Seong-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, acknowledged Lee Jun-seok's unique competitiveness but stated, "It seems difficult for his support rate to exceed 10%. Isn't there a sense of historical responsibility to prevent Lee Jae-myung? When the strengths of both candidates merge, a true synergy will arise."
Additionally, Ahn Cheol-soo, a lawmaker who was previously in a political rivalry but has recently reconciled dramatically, is publicly proposing a meeting for unification. He stated, "We must 반드시 stop the 'great evil' known as Lee Jae-myung," and added, "Let's have an open and candid conversation together."