[Summary] Kim Jong-in "Ahn Cheol-soo should take candidate number 2" vs Ahn Cheol-soo "No concession whether number 2 or 4"

Disagreement Over Opposition Candidate Unification
Chairman Kim: "People Power Party Cannot Campaign for Other Parties"
Representative Ahn: "Discussion Will Begin Once Practical Talks Start"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 2nd, and drinking water. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Cracks are emerging within the opposition regarding the unification plan for the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election candidates. Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, previously mentioned that Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People Party who defeated former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop in the 'third zone primary,' should run as candidate number 2. He emphasized that the unified opposition candidate should come from the People Power Party. On the other hand, Ahn responded by saying, "Whether number 2 or number 4, there will be no concession on the candidacy."

Earlier, on the 1st, Chairman Kim told 'Yonhap News,' "Even if Ahn becomes the unified opposition candidate, if he does not run as candidate number 2 (People Power Party), the People Power Party cannot campaign," adding, "Legally and overall, the party cannot campaign for another party." This was interpreted as emphasizing that if Ahn becomes the unified opposition candidate, he must join the People Power Party to receive full support from the opposition.

Regarding this, Chairman Kim said, "(If Ahn does not join the People Power Party) he might be able to give a supporting speech," but questioned, "Can we win the election that way?"

However, he clarified, "I am not demanding that Ahn join or not join the People Power Party," and explained, "I am confident that the unified opposition candidate will be decided as the People Power Party candidate through the choice of Seoul citizens."

Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate for Seoul mayor, is giving a greeting at an on-site meeting held at the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea, Jung-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. / Photo by Yonhap News

In response to Chairman Kim's stance, Ahn replied on the 2nd, "Whether I become candidate number 2 or number 4 (People Party), the unified opposition candidate is the second person."

In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Jong-dae's News Up' that day, Ahn stated, "There will be no concession on the unified candidate position in the Seoul mayoral by-election."

When asked if this meant he intended to run as candidate number 4, he answered, "I think this is a way to unite the supporters of the People Power Party and those who dislike the Democratic Party but have not yet chosen the People Power Party, bringing both sides together."

He added, "Even if I am not the unified candidate, I will work hard to support the unified candidate and ensure their victory as Seoul mayor," emphasizing, "There will absolutely be no concession on candidacy."

Additionally, Ahn expressed his intention to resolve the differences with the People Power Party regarding opposition unification through a 'working-level meeting.'

Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate for Seoul mayor, attending the on-site meeting of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 2nd / Photo by Yonhap News

After visiting the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea that day and meeting with reporters, Ahn commented on Chairman Kim's statement that "if he does not run as candidate number 2, election support will be difficult," saying, "Once practical consultations begin, we will discuss this in depth," and added, "I believe that if we discuss what is legally possible, the process will proceed smoothly."

Meanwhile, on the previous day (the 1st), Ahn defeated former lawmaker Geum to become the 'third zone unified candidate' for the Seoul mayoral by-election.

The working-level negotiation teams of both candidates held a press conference at the National Assembly that day, stating, "Based on the 100% public opinion poll primary held on the 27th of last month, Candidate Ahn won the third zone unification primary of the broad opposition," and added, "Both sides hope that today's result will serve as a bridgehead for opposition unification and victory in the Seoul mayoral by-election."

After the announcement, Candidate Ahn released a statement saying, "Through the passionate interest shown by citizens during the unification process, the people's desire for a regime change has already been confirmed," and emphasized, "We must select the final unified opposition candidate who can fulfill the will of the citizens."