SEOUL NETWORK reported on May 12 that according to Kyodo News on May 12, the South Korean presidential election scheduled for June 3 officially launched its campaign activities on May 12. On the 11th, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo regained his status as a presidential candidate and will represent the ruling conservative National Power Party in the race for the presidency. The internal strife between Kim Moon-soo and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo over the party's nomination has also revealed the possibility of a tough electoral situation for the ruling party.
The report stated that Kim and Han had previously negotiated who should run as a candidate but ended in failure. On the 10th, the high-ranking members of the National Power Party once revoked Kim Moon-soo's status as the party's presidential candidate and instead supported Han Duck-soo as the new candidate. However, this "replacement" operation was rejected by a vote at the general meeting of all party members, and Kim Moon-soo regained his candidate status.
According to reports, Han Duck-soo said at a press conference on the 11th that he "humbly accepted" the party's decision. When he met with Kim Moon-soo at the party headquarters, he said: "Our party should unite around Kim Moon-soo and strive to win this election. I will also provide support within my capabilities."
The report pointed out that although the National Power Party finally reached an agreement to nominate Kim Moon-soo as the presidential candidate, the hope of attracting more independent voters through the "Han instead of Kim" strategy among the party's senior leaders has failed. The expected cumulative effect is no longer possible, and disappointment with the ruling party will inevitably spread.
According to reports, data from various polling companies show that Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party, which belongs to the reformist camp, and the former party leader, leads significantly in the polls. The internal strife within the ruling party may further boost Lee Jae-myung's chances. In addition, conservative voters who have broken away from the ruling party may turn to support Lee Joon-seok, the candidate of the Reform New Party, who also belongs to the conservative camp. (Translated by Liu Lin)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7503491862590718464/
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