Kim Moon-soo, a candidate for the leadership of the People Power Party during the 8·22 national convention, noted on the 10th in the first TV debate regarding the failure to consolidate during the last presidential election, "I have never not consolidated."
Candidate Kim Moon-soo, during a candidate debate held at the Channel A studio in Jung-gu, Seoul, responded to a question in the 'Please ask a question' segment about the suggestion that he changed his statements during the consolidation process when he was a presidential candidate, saying, "I have never not consolidated, and the most important point is that there was an intention to replace the candidate." This implies that the responsibility for the failure to consolidate with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo during the presidential election lies with the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-youl) party leadership at the time.
He said, "The People Power Party nominee Kim Moon-soo, who was officially elected at the national convention, was suddenly attempted to be replaced through a vote by party members," and added, "All party members voted directly to revive me from the dead, so I became the nominee. I did not change my words but have always spoken what was right at the time; although situations changed and it may have appeared differently, I want to clarify that I have consistently followed my beliefs, which is Kim Moon-soo."
Additionally, when the moderator asked candidate Ahn Cheol-soo, "You supported the special investigation bill, how will you respond to the raid on People Power Party lawmakers?", he replied, "The most important thing is that we must prevent the extension of the special investigation, which can last up to 170 days."
Candidate Ahn noted, "If the special investigation is extended, it will have a tremendous impact on next year's local elections," and added, "If an actual criminal allegation is investigated, we should cooperate to some extent, but if political oppression is clear, it is right to oppose it." He stated, "I was the first person called by the special investigation, which happened unexpectedly some time ago. I firmly rejected it, believing it was a process to prepare for political oppression."
Meanwhile, candidate Jang Dong-hyuk responded to the moderator's question, "You claimed of a lifting of martial law after the vote, but what is the real Jang Dong-hyuk?" by saying, "I have never claimed a lifting of martial law, and I supported the proposal to lift the martial law."
Candidate Jang stated, "Those who claim the lifting of martial law speak as if they support all martial laws," and added, "The real meaning of the lifting of martial law is that even if it was wrong after the martial law, it has become clear about various issues that the public did not know, as well as what the president wanted to assert."
He also stated, "I opposed the impeachment," explaining, "The reason I opposed impeachment is that it requires a vote on the impeachment motion by the National Assembly, and that must go through a political process before going to the Constitutional Court." He mentioned, "I believe there were sufficient opportunities to resolve the political follow-up measures politically, including constitutional amendments for reducing the term of office, rather than necessarily solving it by impeachment."
Additionally, candidate Jo Kyung-tae responded to the moderator's question about why he had not held a party or public office during his six terms, stating, "During my six terms as a lawmaker, I held positions such as the elected Senior Supreme Member and chair of the Planning and Finance Committee," adding, "I have held both public office and party positions. Those who are saying that seem to lack understanding of my work."
Candidate Jo remarked, "Anyway, it seems that there is a desire to give me a larger party position," and emphasized that he would become a party leader who gathers reasonable conservatives to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the conservative party.