Ahn Cheol-soo Responds to Kim Hyung-o's Proposal: "No Reason to Avoid Meeting Anyone"

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[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, responded positively to Kim Hyung-o, the Future United Party’s nomination committee chairman, who proposed a meeting. This marks a somewhat progressive move compared to Ahn’s previous clear stance against conservative unification and alliance. In political circles, there is speculation that the anti-Moon alliance between the People’s Party and the Future United Party might be gaining momentum.

On the 26th, Ahn appeared on MBC Radio’s 'Kim Jong-bae’s Focus' and regarding Kim’s expression of willingness to meet him, said, “I also saw it through the media, but there is no reason not to meet anyone,” adding, “(The reason for meeting) can only be understood by listening to what they have to say.”

Regarding the possibility of an alliance between the People’s Party and the Future United Party, Ahn said, “Since Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Future United Party, and Chairman Kim have already stated that they are not considering an alliance, I have no reason to comment separately,” and added, “Don’t ask me, ask them now.”

Earlier, Chairman Kim had said about moderate conservative unification, “I will try to make direct contact with Leader Ahn. We welcome the entry of Ahn Cheol-soo faction members and there will be absolutely no disadvantages in nominations.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This change in Ahn’s stance is closely related to the current situation of the People’s Party. This is because Ahn Cheol-soo faction members Kim Jung-ro and Lee Dong-seop have joined the Future United Party, followed by even out-of-parliament committee members defecting. Ahn explained, “I understand that politicians have realistic concerns,” adding, “Each person’s situation is different and they have various concerns, so I have clearly stated that I will respect their own judgment on those matters.”

Jang Hwan-jin, vice chairman of the People’s Party Founding Preparation Committee and an aide to Ahn, declared his entry into the Future United Party on the 26th. At a press conference held at the National Assembly Press Center that day, Vice Chairman Jang said, “I am an ‘Ahn Cheol-soo man.’ However, I am now leaving Leader Ahn’s side,” adding, “I believe that the unification of the opposition forces to check the reckless power of the ruling party with absolute power and to hold them accountable for the economic and livelihood collapse is the historic demand and cause of the April 15 general election.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.