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Key Points

South Korea's People Power Party has narrowed down its presidential primary to four key candidates after extensive polling. The shortlisted contenders include former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo, former party leader Han Dong-hoon, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, and lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo. The party will use a combination of party member votes and public opinion polling to select two final candidates by May 3. The presidential election is scheduled for June 3, with current polls showing opposition leader Lee Jae-myung holding a substantial lead.

Key Points: South Korea PPP Narrows Presidential Race to Four Candidates

  • Four top candidates emerge from PPP presidential primary process
  • Polls show Lee Jae-myung leading with strong 50.2% support
  • Final two candidates to be selected through party and public voting
  • Election set for June 3 after Yoon Suk Yeol's removal
2 min read

South Korea: People Power Party shortlists four contenders for presidential election

South Korean People Power Party shortlists Kim Moon-soo, Han Dong-hoon, Hong Joon-pyo, and Ahn Cheol-soo for June 3 election

"The party will confirm its candidate on May 3 - PPP Election Commission"

Seoul, April 22

The South Korean People Power Party (PPP) on Tuesday shortlisted four contenders in the first round of its presidential primary, ahead of the June 3 election.

The four candidates are former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo, former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, and lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, according to the party's election commission.

The results were determined based on surveys conducted by five polling agencies from Monday to Tuesday, covering a combined total of 4,000 respondents.

The PPP originally had eight presidential primary candidates, which also included PPP lawmaker Na Kyung-won, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, North Gyeongsang Governor Lee Cheol-woo and former Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Yang Hyang-ja.

In the second round, two candidates will be selected through a process that equally combines party member votes and public opinion polling. The party will confirm its candidate on May 3.

The presidential election will be held on June 3 after former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted on April 4 over his shocking martial law bid, Yonhap news agency reported.

According to a Realmetre poll released early this week, Rep. Lee Jae-myung, former DP leader, kept a strong lead with 50.2 per cent support.

Trailing Lee was Kim with 12.2 per cent. Han received 8.5 per cent and Hong garnered 7.5 per cent.

While the conservative contenders have intensified political attacks against the former DP leader Lee, the PPP seemed to be perplexed by Lee's strong lead in opinion polls.

Last week, a plan to create a new political party in support of Yoon was put on hold.

Rep. Lee Yang-soo of the PPP told SBS radio that such a plan would have a negative impact on the party in the face of the presidential election.

Meanwhile, candidates will be required to register by May 11 and the official campaign period will kick off on May 12.

The law also requires a public servant running for President to resign at least 30 days before an election, making May 4 the deadline.

The new President will assume office immediately after the election without a transition team.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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James K.
Interesting lineup! Han Dong-hoon seems like the most promising candidate to me. His experience as PPP leader could really help unite the party. The polls are concerning though - that gap with Lee Jae-myung is massive 😬
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Sarah L.
I appreciate how transparent the selection process is with the combination of party votes and public polling. Much better than backroom deals! Hope this leads to a strong candidate who can challenge Lee's lead.
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Minho P.
Respectfully, I think the article could have provided more context about why Yoon was ousted. That seems like crucial background info for international readers who might not follow Korean politics closely.
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Eunji K.
Hong Joon-pyo has been around forever! Can't believe he's running again. The PPP really needs fresh faces if they want to appeal to younger voters. #TimeForChange
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Thomas R.
The quick transition with no team is concerning. How can a new president be effective without proper preparation? This seems like a recipe for instability during already turbulent times.
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Arianna J.
Kim Moon-soo's labor background could be exactly what's needed right now! With all the economic challenges, we need someone who understands workers' issues. Fingers crossed 🤞

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