Independent presidential candidate Han Duck-soo said on the 8th, "Kim Moon-soo (People Power Party presidential candidate) comes without any alternatives for unification and speaks things that are not true," and added, "I will tell him to keep his promise to meet at 4 p.m. today for unification."
After finishing his schedule of visiting the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Han candidate spoke to reporters and said this. He criticized Kim candidate, stating, "To solve national problems, we must unite our efforts," and added, "Acting based on personal trivial issues is something only old-style politicians do."
Han candidate also stated, "I have delegated all methods of unification to the party," and added, "If it is determined by the party, I will follow the debate that I was supposed to have in the afternoon, and I will attend the debate venue whether Kim Moon-soo candidate shows up or not. I will also participate in the meeting requested by Kim Moon-soo candidate at 4 p.m."
The one-on-one debate scheduled for 6 p.m. that day between Kim candidate and Han candidate was canceled due to Kim candidate's announcement of not attending. However, the meeting proposed by Kim candidate at 4 p.m. is expected to proceed as planned. Han candidate has decided to cancel all afternoon schedules planned for Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province and head to Seoul.
Currently, Kim candidate continues to have conflicts with the People Power Party and Han candidate's camp regarding the timing and method of unification. The leadership of the People Power Party insists that Kim candidate must complete the unification with Han candidate by the registration deadline on the 11th at the latest, but Kim candidate's side argues that unification should be centered around Kim candidate, including not only Han candidate but also Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party and Lee Nak-yon, the non-permanent advisor of the New Future Democratic Party.
Han candidate further stated, "I have no ambition other than to amend the constitution and solve trade issues so that our country becomes a sustainable good nation," and pointed out, "However, the attacks from Kim candidate's side questioning why Han Duck-soo is running as a candidate show a lack of basic manners."