What Are South Korea's PPP Presidential Hopefuls Proposing in Their Final Campaign Push?
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Synopsis
As South Korea's People Power Party wraps up its primary campaigns, candidates are making bold promises. From trade negotiations with the US to defense pledges against North Korea, the stakes are high. Who will emerge as the frontrunner in this crucial election?
Key Takeaways
- Final campaign pitches from PPP candidates are underway.
- The primaries will select one candidate for the June election.
- If no majority is achieved, a final runoff will take place.
- Trade negotiations and defense policies are key focus areas for candidates.
- Acting President Han Duck-soo may enter the race.
Seoul, April 28 (NationPress) - Presidential aspirants from the People Power Party (PPP) in South Korea made their last campaign presentations on Monday as the second phase of the primaries commenced, aiming to determine the party's candidate for the upcoming June election.
Four candidates are competing for the party's nomination for the June 3 election, which follows the ousting of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on April 4 due to his unsuccessful martial law initiative.
The PPP plans to narrow down the field to two candidates, based on party member votes and public opinion surveys, each holding equal weight at 50 percent. Voting commenced on Sunday, with results expected to be revealed on Tuesday.
If no candidate achieves a majority, a final runoff will occur between the top two contenders, and a definitive candidate will be confirmed during a party convention set for Saturday.
On Monday, former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo promised to propose a summit with US President Donald Trump if elected, aiming to initiate comprehensive trade negotiations covering shipbuilding, liquefied natural gas, defense, semiconductors, and nuclear energy.
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo also emphasized economic concerns during his discussions with representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises.
Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon revealed a defense policy commitment, pledging to pursue the development of a nuclear-powered submarine to address North Korea's nuclear threats.
PPP lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo paid his respects at Daejeon National Cemetery, honoring service members who lost their lives in naval conflicts with North Korea and a Marine who perished during a 2023 search operation amidst heavy rains.
As there is no clear frontrunner in the conservative faction, all eyes are on acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo, who is reportedly contemplating entering the race.
"Han is expected to decide on whether to resign and run for the presidential election between May 1-3," an official from the Prime Minister's Office informed Yonhap News Agency via phone.
If Han chooses to run, he must resign from his current position by May 4. Since he is currently unaffiliated with any party, a presidential bid would either require him to run as an independent or undergo a unification process with the PPP, as reported by Yonhap.
According to a recent Realmeter poll released on Monday, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung maintains a substantial lead with 48.5 percent support, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 13.4 percent. Hong Joon-pyo and Han Dong-hoon both received approximately 10 percent, with their results falling within the margin of error.
Point of View
Our commitment is to provide unbiased and informative coverage of the electoral developments in South Korea. The ongoing campaigns highlight key issues that resonate with the electorate, shaping the future political landscape. It is imperative to keep the public informed on the candidates' positions and the implications of their proposals.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the PPP primaries?
The PPP primaries aim to select the party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 3.
Who are the main candidates in the PPP primaries?
The main candidates include Kim Moon-soo, Hong Joon-pyo, Han Dong-hoon, and Ahn Cheol-soo.
What happens if no candidate receives a majority?
If no candidate secures a majority, a final runoff will occur between the top two contenders.
What are the key issues being discussed by the candidates?
Candidates are focusing on economic policies, defense strategies, and international trade relations.
When will the results of the primaries be announced?
The results are expected to be announced on Tuesday following the voting that began on Sunday.
