Moon Jae-in open to coalition, if elected

Former Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Moon Jae-in speaks to reporters at a coffee shop near the National Assembly, Tuesday. / Yonhap

By Kim Hyo-jin

Moon Jae-in, the leading presidential hopeful of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), hinted Tuesday he could seek a coalition government if elected to Cheong Wa Dae.

The former DPK chairman responded positively to calls for a coalition government by other opposition hopefuls during a press conference, urging liberal forces to unite for a change of power.

“I will join hands (with opposition parties) for a change of power and in managing state affairs. If they share the cause for a change of government, the power can also be shared with other opposition parties,” he said.

“I don’t believe that the party which a president belongs to is the only ruling party and the rest are the opposition parties.”

The remarks were viewed as Moon’s bid to forestall possible political realignments across the liberal and conservative blocs ahead of the upcoming presidential election, according to pundits.

“He is seeking to avoid potential challenges from anti-Moon opposition forces by sending a strong message that he will embrace them,” Hwang Tae-soon, a political analyst, said, noting the ongoing talk in the political arena of creating a “big tent” between possible minor opposition candidates and former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Moon also intended to attract supporters of the second-biggest opposition People’s Party, who are based in the traditional liberal home turf ― Gwangju and North and South Jeolla provinces, Hwang added.

DPK’s high-profile members and presidential hopefuls ― Rep. Kim Boo-kyum, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, and Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung ― have called for a coalition government among the opposition parties, saying it is necessary to push for reforms if the party takes power.

It has resonated among party members as they are concerned about the possibility that the next government may be able to maintain stable support from the party which only has 121 seats in the 300-seat Assembly.

“Without the support of the National Assembly, nothing can be done in South Korean politics,” Rep. Park Hong-geun of the DPK said, showing support for the idea.

“All the opposition parties will seek a change of government immediately after the election and it will lead to never-ending conflicts between parties. No reforms can be made under such circumstances. ”

Yoon Tae-gon, a senior political analyst at Moa Agenda Strategy, said Moon appears to be leaning toward the idea, too, in preparation for the time of his taking power.

“The number of seats the DPK holds is not enough for smooth state management,” he said. “Moon is bracing for his time.”