DUP candidate seeks to bring in liberal figures

By Yi Whan-woo

Opposition presidential candidate Moon Jae-in is seeking to woo support from high-profile figures in the liberal camp to narrow the gap in the tight two-way race against his conservative rival Park Geun-hye.

The main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP)’s candidate managed, Monday, to persuade Sohn Hak-kyu, a DUP senior advisor whom he defeated in the primary in September to join his team. Moon has already gained support from the minor opposition Progressive Justice Party (PJP)’s Sim Sang-jung while seeking to entice Lee Jung-hee, the presidential candidate of the Unified Progressive Party (UPP).

The move comes with public opinion polls indicating that Moon is slightly behind Park of the ruling Saenuri Party, showing he needs to expand his support base.

The DUP senior adviser did not show any interest in collaborating with Moon in September but as the election enters its final stretch he agreed to do so.

“I will give my utmost effort for victory of the DUP and democratic forces,” Sohn said.

One of Sohn’s aides said he decided to support Moon because the DUP is struggling in the wake of the dubious merging of candidacies with independent Ahn Cheol-soo. The abrupt withdrawal of the politically-moderate Ahn, Friday, resulted in a number of undecided voters, including liberals.

“Sohn stressed that all liberals should be united, but had been very cautious about throwing his support to Moon because any hasty action could cause misunderstanding among voters,” the aide said.

Sohn, a former governor of Gyeonggi Province, will focus on campaigning in major districts of Seoul.

Sim gave up her presidential bid Monday to boost the DUP contender’s efforts to garner votes, the deadline for the registration of presidential candidates.

“I hope my withdrawal becomes a watershed moment for a victory of the liberals led by Moon,” she said.

Supporters of the PJP are mainly manual workers and farmers in provincial regions, and Sim underscored her role to gather votes from them.

“My role as a presidential candidate ends here, but my role to speak for enhancing labor rights and reforming politics will continue through this alliance.”

Moon replied appreciatively.

“I thank the PJP and Sim for her dedication to me,” he said.

“Her brave decision and devotion reflects the calls for a new government by liberals, and I regard the alliance among the opposition parties as the first steps toward one.

“Now I will make efforts to form an alliance with civic groups, and will also meet with her soon to discuss the policies she sought to pursue,” the DUP candidate added.

The PJP is comprised of members who broke away from the UPP, another minor opposition party that had an internal conflict among their members earlier this year.

Lee, the candidate of the ultra-left wing UPP also called for an alliance with Moon, although the affection will likely prove to be one-sided.

“I know the UPP has been considered a group that is difficult to work with by liberals,” said Lee, Sunday, when she registered her presidential bid.

“But I would like to emphasize that we have put our utmost efforts since then to create a situation where all liberals can cooperate.”

Moon has not responded to Lee and the UPP which is viewed as a group sympathetic to North Korea by the public.