"Meeting Again"... Lee Junseok and Ahn Cheolsoo Reunite at Marathon After Debate

Lee Sends a "Love Call" to Ahn

Lee Junseok, the leader of the Reform Party, and Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, attended a marathon event together following their recent participation in a debate.

According to political sources on September 7, Lee and Ahn met at the 17th Cyber Territory Protection Marathon, a fundraising event organized by the National Assembly Veterans Association, held that morning at the Mulbit Stage in Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul. Before the start of the 5-kilometer course, they greeted each other with a handshake. However, it was reported that neither was aware of the other's attendance beforehand.

On the 7th, Lee Junseok, the representative, and Ahn Cheolsoo, the member of the National Assembly, participated in the 17th Cyber Territory Protection Marathon. Photo captured from Ahn Cheolsoo's Facebook.

Previously, on September 3, they had also run into each other by chance at a debate held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon, who has emphasized cooperation between the Reform Party and the People Power Party, was also present at the event.

On September 5, during an interview with BBS Radio, Lee discussed the possibility of forming an alliance with Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon for next year's local elections in June, stating, "There is a lot of political and personal exchange, and I see us as almost one team." He also commented on the potential for collaboration with Ahn and the pro-impeachment faction within the People Power Party, saying, "There are many things that I can try together with Assemblyman Ahn."

Lee Sends a Love Call to Ahn

In a broadcast interview on September 4, Lee also said, "My close friend is Assemblyman Ahn's son-in-law. The path Assemblyman Ahn has taken since the imposition of martial law has been very clear and aligns with my direction, so I am very interested. I intend to discuss many things with him."

Lee and Ahn were once considered political rivals. Their rivalry began when they competed against each other in different parties for the Nowon-byeong district in Seoul during the 20th general election in 2016, and they have clashed several times since then. However, following last year's martial law crisis and the impeachment situation, both have adopted the same reformist conservative stance. Furthermore, during the last presidential election, they co-hosted a debate on artificial intelligence and science and technology issues. Since both Lee and Ahn represent constituencies in Gyeonggi Province, there is speculation that their relationship could develop into an electoral alliance ahead of next year's local elections.