During the People Power Party's four-person candidate debate, candidates Kim Moon-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo held up an X mark (no) in response to the moderator's question about 'Han Duck-soo's theory of being called upon as acting prime minister.' In contrast, candidate Ahn Cheol-soo held up an O mark (yes).
First, candidate Han noted during the People Power Party's four-person candidate debate held at the MBN studio in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the same day, "It seems that those who support the People Power Party really want to win (the presidential election). They seem to have various thoughts, and that itself seems to be dynamic."
He further added, "Ultimately, our People Power Party candidate has to fight against Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, representing the conservative camp."
Candidate Kim said, "The acting prime minister has excellent character and experience. It is consistent with the aspirations of our party and the people for someone like this to work hard as a historical candidate who can defeat candidate Lee Jae-myung. It will definitely help in beating this candidate."
Candidate Hong stated, "At first, I thought it was quite unreasonable, and I felt uncomfortable because it seemed like the party had already decided on its candidate without going through the preliminary (election)." He continued, "How could we capture Lee Jae-myung if we can't surpass the acting prime minister? Many party members are calling for this theory of calling upon the acting prime minister. I don't feel uncomfortable about it."
In contrast, candidate Ahn said, "It is not appropriate," adding, "I do not feel uncomfortable, but it is not desirable." Candidate Ahn remarked, "The acting prime minister is the best expert who can achieve the best results in the tariff negotiations with the United States right now," and stated, "We need to lower tariffs by even 1% and manage the presidential election as well."