An and Lee Jun-seok, who said they had a 'bad relationship,' "As fellow residents of Sanggye-dong, we will discuss the merger candidly"

Lee Jun-seok, the candidate for the leader of the People Power Party, visited the Ulsan City Party Office of the People Power Party in Nam-gu, Ulsan, on the afternoon of the 6th and held a meeting with party members. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Lee Jun-seok, a candidate for the leadership of the People Power Party, emphasized that he and Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People’s Party, are 'neighbors' and expressed his intention to positively pursue the issue of party merger.

On the 7th, Lee posted on his Facebook, stating, "The distance between Ahn Cheol-soo’s residence and my home is just about 1 km," and added, "As residents of the same Sanggye-dong neighborhood, I will discuss the merger issue frankly."

He said, "If I become the party leader, I will treat you to a cup of tea at the local landmark 'Madeul Cafe,' which is located between Ahn’s house and mine." He continued, "I appreciate the progressive consideration given to the issue of appointing regional committee heads, which I proposed as a condition."

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is speaking at the 100th Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 7th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 7th, Ahn Cheol-soo expressed his position regarding the merger at the People’s Party Supreme Council meeting. He explained, "Until now, I refrained from commenting on the People Power Party’s leadership election, considering it inappropriate, but as the election nears its end, some candidates have made various remarks about me and the merger, so I would like to briefly say a few words."

He stated, "The People’s Party has already conveyed a principled direction for integration to the former acting party leader, and we will continue to approach this with sincerity."

Ahn had previously discussed the integration of the two parties in April with Joo Ho-young, the current People Power Party leadership candidate, who was then acting party leader and floor leader.

Ahn added, "I hope that the new political energy emerging during the leadership election process will transform the old image of a vested-interest party through harmony and fusion rather than hostile conflict or confrontation, becoming a positive force." This statement by Ahn is interpreted as being directed at Lee Jun-seok.

Earlier, on the 4th, Lee said in a phone interview with a media outlet, "It is true that I have a bad relationship with Ahn, and I have acted as a sniper against him," adding, "There is only one reason for this, which is Ahn’s 'nomination interference' in the Seoul Nowon-byeong district in 2018."

He continued, "However, if I become the leader, I will put aside all personal feelings," and said, "Ahn is also an excellent presidential candidate and deserves fair treatment."