**Expanding Big Tent Theory**
On the 24th, Woo Won-shik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, was protested by Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, after a parliamentary address by Acting President and Prime Minister Han Deok-soo on the supplementary budget bill. The scene was captured by a news photographer.
On the same day, one of the People Power Party’s presidential primary candidates, Han Dong-hoon, stated he would “work with everyone to decisively win the primary and the general election next.” Han also remarked that, like Acting President Han Deok-soo, they share a vision of protecting Korea’s future, hinting at possible collaboration such as candidate unification if Acting President Han runs for the presidency. Another candidate, Hong Jun-pyo, also indicated that he would seek a unified conservative candidate through a “one-shot primary” with Acting President Han. Additionally, candidate Ahn Cheol-soo expressed openness to the “big tent” approach if Acting President Han decides to run. This unanimous stance among the four candidates signals their willingness to unify even though Acting President Han has not yet declared his candidacy.
On Facebook, Han Dong-hoon hinted at unification, recalling past collaboration with Acting President Han during crisis situations. He emphasized prioritizing public victory over maintaining the status quo and expressed his commitment to the party’s heated primary. When asked about the possibility of unifying with Acting President Han in a one-on-one debate with other People Power Party candidates, he described Han as a sensible and rational acquaintance and stressed the necessity of doing whatever it takes to win.
Hong Jun-pyo opened the door for unification talks with Acting President Han, suggesting a potential coalition against Lee Jae-myung from the opposing Democratic Party. He further mentioned engaging in discussions for a big tent with reform-minded candidate Lee Jun-seok. Hong emphasized in both public statements and his social media that the focus is a one-on-one electoral contest against Lee Jae-myung, leaving no room for division among conservative candidates.
Likewise, Kim Moon-soo, who has been a steadfast advocate of unifying with Han, reiterated that any alliance, whether “Han Deok-soo” or “Kim Deok-soo (Kim Moon-soo + Han Deok-soo),” is essential to beating Lee Jae-myung. When asked about the possibility of two conservative candidates running, Kim expressed confidence that Acting President Han would not make unreasonable moves.
Candidate Ahn Cheol-soo initially urged Acting President Han not to run, suggesting tackling the impeachment issue is more pressing. However, later in the day, he acknowledged that if Han were to run, the big tent is open to all. Ahn is scheduled for a discussion on AI technological supremacy with reform party candidate Lee Jun-seok, who shared his hope on social media that the election would focus on genuine concerns for South Korea’s future, rather than political advantages and tactics.
As the second People Power Party primary nears on the 29th, which will narrow down the candidates to two based on a combination of party votes and public opinion polls, the mention of collaboration with Acting President Han appears to rally support among loyalists. A survey by Embrain Public commissioned by the Munhwa Ilbo on the 23rd found that 83% of People’s Power Party supporters believe unification with Acting President Han is necessary, with 65% of conservative respondents agreeing. Hong Jun-pyo’s stance shift, acknowledging demands from party members and the public for inclusivity, reflects an increasing sentiment among supporters. A party representative indicated that the People Power Party is positioning itself to compel Acting President Han to consider candidacy more seriously.