Ahn Cheol-soo and Sim Sang-jung Start 'Third Zone Cooperation'

Meeting at a Seoul Cafe Today at 2 PM
Discussion Expected on Ssangteukgeom, Public Pension Reform, and Youth Policies

Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, and Sim Sang-jung, the presidential candidate of the Justice Party, are attending the 56th National Women's Conference held at COEX Auditorium in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 9th of last month, engaging in conversation. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong, Jeon Jinyoung] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, and Sim Sang-jung, the presidential candidate of the Justice Party, will hold a meeting on the 6th to initiate a 'third zone alliance.'

On the afternoon of the day, Ahn, who will meet Sim at a cafe in Seoul, wrote on Facebook, "If even a slight public suspicion remains amid the legal and moral controversies surrounding the two major party candidates, the election period will inevitably become a dark and frustrating mudslinging contest where vision and policy competition disappear," adding, "I hope that the meeting with (Sim) will be a small opportunity to uphold truth and justice and genuine reform for future generations."

Ahn and Sim are expected to discuss political reforms to overcome the two-party structure centered on the Democratic Party and the People Power Party. However, they are drawing a line on candidate unification. Instead, they plan to share ideas on promptly implementing a joint special prosecution regarding the 'Daejang-dong scandal' involving Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, and the 'accusation inducement scandal' involving Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party’s presidential candidate, as well as public pension reform for the younger generation and the introduction of a runoff voting system for public elections. Additionally, they are expected to exchange opinions on policies for the 2030 generation, who have emerged as a 'casting vote' in the presidential election, and COVID-19 measures. Bae Jin-gyo, the floor leader of the Justice Party, explained, "(The two candidates) have a lot of interest in youth policies, so it could be one of the additional topics for discussion," adding, "There are also considerable public concerns related to 'With Corona,' so such discussions may also take place."

Kim Dong-yeon, the presidential candidate of the New Wave Party, also left open the possibility of a third zone alliance. Kim said on YTN radio that day, "I hope there will be good discussions when the two meet today," and added, "If there is a basic agreement on breaking the two-party structure and political vested interests, I think we can have sufficient dialogue."

Kwon Eun-hee, the floor leader of the People’s Party in charge of practical negotiations for Ahn’s side, said in a meeting with reporters that morning, "We reaffirm that unification is not a topic related to this meeting at all," and Kim also expressed, "I am somewhat skeptical about whether unification can be achieved."