The competition for the presidential candidate of the People Power Party has shifted into a four-way race, leading to increased activity among current lawmakers within the party.

As the candidate lineup grows, lawmakers who had refrained from publicly endorsing candidates are now actively participating in the competition. Their movements are expected to serve as a key indicator of the prevailing sentiment regarding the "Han Duck-soo Promotion Theory."

However, some critics are labeling these actions as a "line-up competition."

According to the People Power Party on the 23rd, the first primary results announced the day before found candidates Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo advancing to the second primary.

These candidates will engage in fierce competition through five upcoming debates. The party plans to select a candidate who secures a majority of votes through a voter poll among party members and general public opinion surveys from the 27th to the 28th. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff election will determine the final nominee.

While candidates Hong Joon-pyo and Han Dong-hoon claim to have around 30 sitting lawmakers supporting them, the actual number of those who have publicly endorsed them is limited.

This reflects the absence of a clear frontrunner, along with the influence of the "Han Duck-soo Promotion Theory," resulting in a wait-and-see approach. The entry of influential local leaders, such as Incheon Mayor Yoo Jung-bok and Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, has also contributed to lawmakers being more reserved in their public endorsements.

However, with the emergence of the four-candidate system, the situation may change. A senior lawmaker stated, "Now that we have four candidates, lawmakers will likely make their decisions." The movements of current lawmakers are crucial variables that could significantly influence the outcome of the primary, as they hold substantial sway over the local party sentiment in their respective districts.

The activities of current lawmakers are also expected to impact the "Han Duck-soo Promotion Theory." If more lawmakers join Kim Moon-soo's camp, it will not only increase his chances of winning but may also encourage Acting President Han Duck-soo to consider running. As he lacks party experience, he will need substantial intra-party support for a presidential bid.

There is also interest in where supporters of candidate Na Kyung-won, who was eliminated in the primaries, will direct their allegiance. Many current lawmakers were active in Na's camp, and there are predictions they will head towards either Kim Moon-soo or Hong Joon-pyo's sides.

Criticism exists regarding the perspectives on this presidential primary. There are concerns that the results could influence the future direction of leadership within the party, leading to premature "line-up" formations. Additionally, some view the primary merely as "a contest for party leadership," especially given that contenders from the conservative faction are significantly trailing behind strong progressive candidate Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party in public opinion polls.

Image source: The People Power Party election management committee announced the results of the second preliminary primary (cut-off) at the National Assembly on the 22nd. From the left: Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo. / News1, News1