The prominent presidential candidate from the conservative camp, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, suggested on the 11th that the possibility of promoting a 'big tent for the conservative coalition' is on the table.
On the same day, Kim noted during a meeting with reporters at the National Assembly that "a grand coalition is a good means of integration." Previously, he stated in his declaration to run that "South Korea is currently in a state of chaos not seen in recent times," and added, "Regardless of whether it is a grand integration or a grand coalition, we must do anything that benefits the country."
Kim stated that if a grand coalition is to happen, it should be pursued through 'dialogue.' He said, "If we refer to the scope of coalition as a big tent, there needs to be a more specific agreement on what we will cooperate on," and continued, "The DJP coalition (formed by former President Kim Dae-jung and former Liberty Korea Party leader Kim Jong-pil after their unification in the 1997 election, which resulted in a coalition cabinet for three years) was one such coalition, requiring substantial agreement. This should be considered while taking various political situations into account. I believe that this process should always be carried out through dialogue."
Regarding the possibility of uniting with other candidates during the party's primary process, he responded positively, saying, "If possible, that would be good. Whenever there's an opportunity, we should naturally unite with other candidates." He added, "However, just because there are many candidates, we cannot force a coalition," stating, "We will go through the process."
Kim, the former minister, reiterated a negative stance on the growing notion within the conservative camp to draft Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for the presidential election. He said, "Acting Prime Minister Han has lived his life as an excellent public servant. He is the type of public servant who doesn't easily lose focus and never looks around in confusion," and added, "I believe he is capable of fulfilling the acting role well and have heard as much."
Earlier, on the same day during CBS radio, Kim mentioned, "If Acting Prime Minister Han were to resign to run, there might be significant issues arising from that," and continued, "If the leadership of the country is shaken, it would be inappropriate for him to declare his candidacy for president in such circumstances."
In response to the interpretation of 'does this mean he should not run?' Kim clarified, "It's not that it would be better if he doesn't run; rather, he is a very respectable public servant who looks straight ahead and proceeds forward," while adding, "It would be great if anyone could defeat Representative Lee Jae-myung."
A member of Kim's campaign commented in a statement, "With Acting Prime Minister Han being impeached by the Democratic Party, the 'acting system of the acting Prime Minister' began, resulting in a noticeable decline in national governance capabilities. Therefore, solidifying the role and position of the acting president is very important," further explaining that "Candidate Kim hopes to stabilize the governance and is dedicated to serving the people and the nation with this sentiment."