Han Dong-hoon Urges PPP Candidates to Join Conservative Reconstruction; Park Min-sik Rejects Unification

Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon has extended an olive branch to candidates from the People Power Party (PPP), encouraging them to "fight on" for the reconstruction of the conservative movement. This gesture comes as Han leads in the polls for a crucial by-election in Busan's Buk-gu and Sasang-gu constituencies, signaling a strategic effort to consolidate the conservative vote against the Democratic Party.

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I hope for the reconstruction of the conservative movement based on the constitution, facts, and common sense, and there are many People Power Party candidates who are participating in the reconstruction of the conservative movement.

Han, speaking to reporters after visiting Unsa Temple in Busan on Buddha's Birthday, expressed his hope for a conservative revival based on "constitution, facts, and common sense." He acknowledged the presence of many PPP candidates who share this vision, offering them encouragement. His outreach is seen as an attempt to rally PPP supporters, particularly as recent polls show him and Democratic candidate Ha Jeong-woo as the frontrunners, with PPP's Park Min-sik trailing.

Despite the growing calls for a unified conservative front, Han stated he has not pressured Park Min-sik's camp to merge candidacies. However, he asserted that "only Han Dong-hoon is the candidate who can properly defeat the Democratic Party." This stance highlights his confidence in his own appeal within the conservative electorate.

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The People Power Party candidates who are participating and sympathizing with the reconstruction of the conservative movement are fighting!

Conversely, Park Min-sik has firmly rejected any possibility of a unified candidacy. He expressed skepticism about the intentions behind the push for unification, describing it as "not a fair attitude" and "mere political calculations that disregard the choices of the Buk-gu residents." Park's firm stance suggests a commitment to competing independently, despite the potential electoral advantages of a consolidated conservative campaign.

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I have never pressured [Park Min-sik's camp] to unify.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Ha Jeong-woo is focusing on mobilizing his base. He noted the significant support Han receives, remarking that Han's supporters sometimes feel like "election campaign workers." Ha emphasized the need for unity among Buk-gu residents and party members to counter the rising challenge from Han. This strategic shift comes after Han narrowed the gap in the polls, prompting Ha to adjust his campaign strategy from a low-profile approach to increased local engagement.

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Only Han Dong-hoon is the candidate who can properly defeat the Democratic Party.