Ahn Cheol-soo: "If Kim Eun-hye and Kang Yong-seok had unified"... Lee Jun-seok: "You should have been the campaign committee chairman"

Ahn Cheol-soo "Victory Decided by Kang Yong-seok's Approval Ratings"
Kim Eun-hye "More Time Needed"

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party (left), and Ahn Cheol-soo, candidate of the People Party running for the Seongnam Bundang-gap National Assembly election. / Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party candidate for Seongnam Bundang-gap, and Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, clashed sharply over the 'June 1 local election single candidacy for Gyeonggi Province governor' between Kim Eun-hye of the People Power Party and Kang Yong-seok, an independent candidate.

Earlier, on the 18th, Ahn stated at his campaign office in Yatap-dong, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, that unification between candidates Kim and Kang was necessary. Regarding Kang’s support rate, which fluctuates around 3-5% in various polls, he said, "It is something tangible," adding, "Because it can determine the outcome, a single candidate from the ruling party can increase the chances of victory."

When asked about the method of unification, he said, "Since I am not a party to it, it is a matter for the two candidates to decide," but added, "It would be good if a well-agreed single candidate is formed to create a two-person contest."

In response, Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, visited Jeonbuk National University on the same day and told reporters, "It seems (Ahn) wants to command the entire election, but if you wanted to do that, you should have been the head of the election committee."

He continued, "Unless you are in a position to command and take responsibility for the election, since you said you would serve the residents in your constituency, if you are going to send messages different from the election committee’s policy, I hope you would consult with us."

Meanwhile, on the 19th, at the Kwanhun Club debate held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, when asked about unification with Kang, Kim said, "Of course, Kang Yong-seok also made many efforts in the last presidential election, and I think he would also shake his head at the Democratic Party’s repeated oppression of Gyeonggi residents," but avoided a direct answer by saying, "However, this matter needs a little more time."

She added, "Unification is not something I am worried about because of my own advantages or disadvantages," emphasizing, "Since the people have chosen us, I don’t think I can make political decisions alone."

Kang stated that he would complete the race if Kim does not accept the conditions related to unification. Earlier, Kang proposed conditions for unification with Kim, including three bilateral TV debates and one poll excluding party affiliation.