[Summary] "Just a Turf War" Kim Jong-in's 'Candidate No. 2 Theory' Sparks Internal Conflict in the Opposition Party

Chairman Kim: "Candidate Ahn, Campaigning Difficult Without Number 2"
"Is It Sabotaging Unification?", "Controversy Period Over" Criticism from Some in the Opposition Party

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 is drinking water. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Internal strife is brewing within the opposition over the so-called 'Candidate No. 2 Opposition Candidate Theory' mentioned by Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. Earlier, Chairman Kim referred to Ahn Cheol-soo, the People’s Party candidate for Seoul mayor, stating that "if he does not run as Candidate No. 2 (People Power Party), it will be difficult to support his campaign." This sparked backlash from some opposition members who called it "noise that disrupts unification talks."

On the 1st, Chairman Kim expressed that if Candidate Ahn does not run as Candidate No. 2, election support would be difficult. In an interview with Yonhap News Agency that day, Kim said, "Even if Candidate Ahn becomes the unified opposition candidate, if he does not run as Candidate No. 2, the People Power Party cannot campaign for him," adding, "Legally, the party as a whole cannot campaign for another party’s candidate."

He continued, "Even if Candidate Ahn does not run as a People Power Party candidate, we might be able to give a supportive speech," but questioned, "Would that be enough to win the election?" This implies that if Ahn, currently affiliated with the People’s Party, does not join the People Power Party, it would be difficult for the party to provide full support at the party level.

Jang Je-won, People Power Party lawmaker / Photo by Yonhap News

These remarks by Chairman Kim sparked backlash from some opposition members. Critics argue that such conflicts are inappropriate at a time when all efforts should be focused on selecting a unified opposition candidate.

On the 2nd, Jang Je-won, a People Power Party lawmaker, wrote on his Facebook, "The controversy over Candidate No. 2 sparked by Kim Jong-in is truly childish," and criticized, "Discussing Candidate No. 2 or No. 4 at this point does not help our entire camp. To the public, it looks like a petty territorial dispute."

He added, "Whoever wins the final runoff, the election should be fought centered on the winner," and pointed out, "Threatening now that if the candidate is not from the People Power Party, support will not be given is no different from refusing to accept the unification result."

He further stated, "What the People Power Party needs more now is not Chairman Kim Jong-in but Candidate Ahn Cheol-soo," and criticized, "We must not create noise that throws sand in the gears of unification."

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

The People’s Party also dismissed the issue, saying, "The time for controversy over Candidate No. 2 has passed."

On the same day, Kwon Eun-hee, floor leader of the People’s Party, said in an interview with YTN Radio’s 'Hwang Bo-seon’s Morning Start,' "We are currently in the process of selecting a unified candidate between Candidate No. 2 and Candidate No. 4 (People’s Party)," emphasizing, "The number representing the opposition will be decided according to the candidate ultimately selected."

Meanwhile, Candidate Ahn stated that he would resolve the disagreement with Chairman Kim regarding opposition candidate unification through a 'working-level meeting.'

After visiting the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea that day and meeting with reporters, Candidate Ahn said, "Regarding the People Power Party’s election support, once practical consultations begin, we will discuss it in depth," and emphasized, "If we discuss what is legally possible, I believe it will proceed smoothly."