Joonseok Lee Says He Often Meets Chulsoo Ahn: "Almost One Team with Oh Sehoon Due to Frequent Exchanges"

Emphasizing "Many Possibilities with Chulsoo Ahn"
Drawing a Clear Line Against an Alliance with Han Donghoon

As discussions about a centrist-conservative alliance have recently gained traction in the political sphere, Joonseok Lee, leader of the Reform New Party, commented on the possibility of an alliance with Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon, saying, "There is a lot of political and personal exchange, and I consider us almost as one team."

On the 5th, Lee appeared on BBS Radio's 'Morning Journal' hosted by Taeseop Geum, stating, "Since we belong to different parties, only a limited alliance is possible, but Mayor Oh seems to be consistently trying to play a bridging role." He added, "(Mayor Oh) openly says, to the point that it makes me a bit uncomfortable, 'The Reform New Party and the People Power Party must go together.' Of course, there is no ill intent in that, and we respect his goodwill." This statement is interpreted as drawing a line against a merger with the People Power Party, while still leaving the possibility of an alliance open.

Reform New Party presidential candidate Lee Junseok (left) is watching the opening ceremony of the Seoul Spring Festa Wonder Show with Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon at the Seoul World Cup Stadium last April. Photo by Lee Junseok's office

Previously, on the 3rd, Mayor Oh also told reporters at the National Assembly, "I have high expectations for an alliance with the Reform New Party in any form." Lee also addressed the possibility of an alliance with the 'Impeachment Supporters' faction within the People Power Party (those who supported the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol), saying, "There are many things I could try together with Assemblyman Chulsoo Ahn." On the previous day, the 4th, during an appearance on YTN Radio's 'News Fighting,' Lee mentioned that his close friend had become Ahn's son-in-law, further hinting at the possibility of an alliance.

He explained, "It's true that in the past, during the Bareunmirae Party days, there was some unnecessary distance between Assemblyman Ahn and me due to minor issues in the nomination process. But a few years ago, my best friend-who has been close to me since high school and even lived with me in the United States-suddenly became Assemblyman Ahn's son-in-law. In addition to these developments, I've been trying to improve our relationship, and lately, I've been discussing many things with Assemblyman Ahn." Dr. Seolhee Ahn, Assemblyman Ahn's daughter and an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at UC Davis, reportedly married Lee's classmate from Seoul Science High School in 2023.

Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, and Ahn Cheolsoo, member of the People Power Party. Reform New Party

He also said, "These days, I see Assemblyman Ahn often. Our staff members regularly communicate to explore future projects we might undertake together. Assemblyman Ahn's actions since the imposition of martial law have been clear and align with my direction, so I am very interested. Geographically, with Pangyo and Dongtan being the core of South Korea's IT industry, there is much to discuss." However, regarding the possibility of an alliance with the 'Pro-Han Donghoon' faction, Lee stated, "It depends on how progressive their stance becomes," adding, "If they do not show a progressive attitude, an alliance will be difficult."