Will South Korea's Minor Party Candidate Lee Merge with PPP's Kim?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, South Korea's minor party candidate Lee Jun-seok firmly states his lack of interest in merging candidacies with PPP's Kim Moon-soo, just two weeks before the election. This decision could significantly alter the political landscape as candidates gear up for crucial rallies in the greater Seoul region.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jun-seok firmly rejects merging with Kim Moon-soo.
- The election is just two weeks away.
- Lee Jae-myung leads the polls with 50% support.
- Lee emphasizes the importance of youth votes.
- Both major parties are ramping up their campaign efforts.
Seoul, May 20 (NationPress) In a recent statement, Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate from the minor New Reform Party (NRP), affirmed that he has "no intention" of merging his candidacy with Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party (PPP). This declaration comes as the election approaches in just two weeks.
During an interview with SBS radio on Tuesday, Lee addressed the ongoing speculation regarding a possible merger of their candidacies aimed at challenging the Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Lee Jae-myung, who currently leads the polls with approximately 50% support, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"The process and procedure itself would appear very old-fashioned, so I have no intention of doing it whatsoever," Lee stated.
When questioned about the possibility of a merger if key aides of former President Yoon Suk Yeol extended an apology, Lee responded, "I have never set such preconditions, nor do I expect an apology."
Having previously been the leader of the PPP, Lee departed from the party due to ongoing disputes with Yoon and his supporters, subsequently establishing the NRP last year.
Lee emphasized, "Unless we garner votes from the youth and reduce Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings from above 45%, all else is meaningless," reiterating that Kim cannot defeat the DP's Lee.
A recent Realmeter survey indicated that Lee Jae-myung is leading with 50.2% support compared to Kim's 35.6%, leaving Lee from the NRP in third place with 8.7%.
As the political landscape heats up, both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party are ramping up their campaign rallies in the greater Seoul area, aiming to connect with centrist voters.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the implications of Lee Jun-seok's decision on the political landscape. His refusal to merge candidacies with Kim Moon-soo not only preserves his party's identity but also emphasizes the critical role of youth votes in the upcoming election. This situation warrants close attention as it unfolds, shaping the future of South Korea's political environment.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Lee Jun-seok say about merging candidacies?
Lee Jun-seok stated that he has 'no intention' of merging his candidacy with Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party.
Why did Lee Jun-seok leave the People Power Party?
Lee Jun-seok left the PPP due to long-standing disputes with former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his supporters, leading him to establish the New Reform Party.
How is Lee Jae-myung performing in the polls?
Lee Jae-myung is currently leading the polls with approximately 50% support, significantly ahead of Kim Moon-soo.
What strategy is Lee Jun-seok focusing on?
Lee Jun-seok emphasized the need to attract youth votes and reduce Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings to be competitive in the election.
What is the significance of this political stance?
Lee's stance against merging candidacies could significantly impact the election's outcome and the strategies of other candidates.
