An "It is advantageous for Gyeonggi Governor passport candidates to unite"... Kim Eun-hye and Kang Yong-seok mention the need for unification

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party candidate running in the by-election for the National Assembly seat in Bundang-gap, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, mentioned the need for unifying the ruling party candidates in the June 1 local election for Gyeonggi Province governor.

Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party candidate for the Gyeonggi Seongnam Bundang-gap by-election, is attending the launch event held at Yatap Station Plaza in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 19th, greeting supporters. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the day, in a phone interview with MBN Current Affairs Special, when asked by the host, "What do you think about the unification of candidates Kim Eun-hye and Kang Yong-seok?" Ahn said, "The decision is up to the candidates," but added, "I think it would be a much more advantageous situation if the ruling party candidates come out as one."

Ahn said, "People around can say this or that, but the human heart is not simply addition or subtraction," and "I think it is important that the candidate feels it firsthand on the ground, makes a decision, and sets a direction accordingly."

Regarding the metropolitan area voter sentiment, he said, "I am gradually feeling that positive effects are spreading from Bundang-gap to the entire Seongnam city and to Yongin and the whole Gyeonggi Province," and added, "I am receiving requests to campaign for mayoral candidates, but I plan to focus on my constituency and support their campaigns even if it means reducing my sleep."

About the confrontation with his opponent Kim Byung-kwan of the Democratic Party, he said, "This is the first one-on-one contest. Over the past 10 years, I have survived as an independent candidate three, four, or five times," and expressed confidence, saying, "I have accumulated experience and skills that no other politician has."

When asked if he plans to run for party leader if elected in the by-election, he emphasized, "Right now, winning the constituency is urgent," and said, "I am working so hard that my sneakers are wearing out. Elections are usually lost the moment you raise your head. I will approach the residents with a humble attitude until the end."