[Breaking] Kim Moon-soo-Han Deok-soo Unification Negotiations Collapse... 'Differences' in Polling Method

The unification renegotiation between Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, and Han Deok-soo, an independent presidential candidate, collapsed in less than 30 minutes. It is reported that the two sides could not narrow their differences over the polling method for candidate unification.

Representatives from both candidates entered closed-door unification negotiations at the main building of the National Assembly at 8:30 PM that day, presided over by Secretary-General Lee Yang-soo.

From Kim's side, two people including Chief of Staff Kim Jae-won attended, and from Han's side, two people including former Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Son Young-taek attended. From the party leadership, Secretary-General Lee and Chief Spokesperson Shin Dong-wook attended.

Chief of Staff Kim Jae-won from Kim's side met with reporters after the unification negotiations and said, "Isn't negotiation about finding a match? I proposed a relatively reasonable plan."

Kim's side proposed an ARS polling method as a unification plan. Kim's Chief of Staff reported that they demanded a method that does not ask about party support, especially since they are proceeding with unification with an independent candidate.

Chief of Staff Kim said, "Han's side proposed a method that we absolutely cannot understand," adding, "We suggested a survey that does not ask about party support or party preference, but they said that was absolutely unacceptable."

He added, "I decided to wait at the campaign office. If (Han's side) contacts us, I can come back, but I cannot tolerate such absurd claims that insult the People Power Party's presidential candidate elected by the party."

Guest reporter Lee Bo-bae from Hankyung.com newsinfo@hankyung.com