Amid concerns about backlash from the strong support base within the ruling party, the term "early presidential election" has become a tacit taboo, while a voice calling for preparations for an "early presidential election" has emerged within the party for the first time. The intention is to prepare for the possible transfer of power to the Democratic Party in the presidential election, and there are interpretations in the political arena that this is related to the recent movement of potential candidates within the ruling party starting to engage in serious preparations.
On the 10th, Woo Jae-jun, a member of the People Power Party classified as a pro-Kim group, noted on Facebook, "Given the facts known so far, there is a possibility of impeachment being upheld," and added, "In order to prevent the worst outcome of transferring power to Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party, I hope that preparations for an early presidential election will also be made." This marks the first time a voice within the ruling party has called for the need for preparations for an early presidential election.
Woo also added, "It would be nice if impeachment is dismissed, but we must also consider that if impeachment is upheld without any preparation, the presidential election that will be held 60 days later could be very unfavorable."
However, the People Power Party maintains that it is still not considering a "Plan B." On the 7th, Kwon Young-se, the chairman of the emergency response committee, stated at a press conference, "We are not thinking about an early presidential election. The concept of an early presidential election is fundamentally based on the premise that impeachment is upheld, so I believe we should not be preparing for it or not."
Woo's remarks are interpreted as reflecting the judgment that the potential candidates in the conservative camp have already entered a phase of preparing for an early presidential election with their recent active movements. In fact, Kim Moon-soo, Minister of Employment and Labor, has recently shown active movements after ranking first in favorability among potential leaders in some polls within the conservative camp. This month alone, he has visited the National Assembly twice, expanding communication with the ruling party and the press.
For instance, on this day, at the "Party-Government Council for Supporting K-Defense Exports," the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Employment and Labor was initially scheduled to attend. However, Minister Kim made a personal appearance. Additionally, he arranged an impromptu Q&A session with reporters. He expressed concerns about the current vacancy in the Ministry of National Defense, stating, "Whether the Prime Minister returns quickly or a minister is appointed, the country will not return to normal unless that happens."
Minister Kim also expressed his stance on political issues when meeting with reporters after the "Party-Government Council" held at the National Assembly on the 4th. The previous day, on the 3rd, he met with former President Lee Myung-bak at the Cheonggye Foundation in Seocho District, Seoul. Minister Kim mentioned, "I went there for a courtesy visit," adding that he hoped, "It would be good if there were no more unfortunate events where presidents of South Korea go to prison during or after their term."
Han Dong-hoon, the former representative, is also adjusting his timing for an announcement. He sought advice from political elders and experts in diplomatic security and economic fields around the Lunar New Year holiday and formed the "Under 73" group, consisting of individuals born in 1973 or later classified as pro-Han Dong-hoon. This interpretation suggests preparations for a political comeback.
In particular, Under 73 has started to send direct messages regarding political issues. On this day, members of Under 73 held a press conference at the National Assembly, strongly criticizing the Democratic Party's proposal for a "recall system for lawmakers." The recall system allows citizens to remove elected officials, including lawmakers, from office before the end of their term through a public vote.
They pointed out, "The number one target is Lee himself," stating, "Former Representative Han also suggested considering the introduction of the recall system for lawmakers during the Democratic Party's push for impeachment against prosecutors."
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is set to visit the National Assembly on the 12th to attend a constitutional amendment forum. Mayor Oh is known to be drafting a plan to reduce the presidential term to three years and to share presidential powers with the Prime Minister through a 'dual government system' and to decentralize powers from the central government.
Mayor Oh also raised his voice on current issues, criticizing Lee through a message. On Facebook, he criticized Lee's "recall system," saying, "Is it a responsible solution to neglect discussions about constitutional reform to resolve national confusion and instead mobilize extremist supporters to eliminate political opponents?" and urged participation in constitutional reforms.
Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has continuously appealed to the strong support base. On this day, he posted on Facebook, "Whether impeachment is upheld or dismissed, it worries me that the country is being sharply divided," adding, "I sincerely hope that impeachment is dismissed and President Yoon Suk-yeol returns." He further stated, "At this time, when hatred and division are rampant, a new spirit of unity is urgently needed."
Hong's wife, Lee Soon-sam, attended a rally against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol held in Daegu on the 8th. It appears she participated on behalf of Mayor Hong, who stated that he could not attend the rally due to his status as a local government leader.