[Comprehensive] "No Intervention" vs. "Let's Clear Out the New Deep-Rooted Evils"... Kim Jong-in vs. Ahn Cheol-soo 'Tense Exchange'

Differences Over 'Opposition Alliance'
Rep. Ahn: "Too Much Dislike for the Main Opposition Party"
Chairman Kim: "Our Party Won't Be Swayed by Outsiders"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party who proposed the 'Moon Jae-in Administration New Deep-rooted Evil Purge National Movement,' hinted that he might meet Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. However, Chairman Kim flatly rejected the idea, saying, "I do not want to intervene." This has led some to speculate that a tense standoff between the two over the 'opposition alliance' continues.

On the 16th, at the party’s Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Ahn said, "The historical task and public demand given to the opposition now is the 'Moon Jae-in Administration New Deep-rooted Evil Purge Movement,'" adding, "From now on, let us carry out the purge movement together with all citizens who desire change and innovation in the Republic of Korea."

He continued, "I appeal to everyone who hopes for a regime change. Beyond personnel purges, we must carry out a strong and continuous movement at the institutional and policy levels to eradicate new deep-rooted evils that are eating away at the country in politics, economy, society, and other fields," emphasizing, "The determination of the broad opposition is necessary to prevent Korea from falling into reaction and regression."

After the meeting, Ahn expressed his willingness to meet Chairman Kim to reporters. He said, "After the regular National Assembly session ends, we can have serious discussions and I can finally meet Chairman Kim Jong-in."

Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, visited the site of the real estate issue on the 16th and is inspecting the model house at the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Center in Galhyeon-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. / Photo by Yonhap News

However, despite Ahn’s remarks, Chairman Kim responded coldly. After concluding the People Power Party Emergency Committee meeting that day, Kim said at a press conference regarding Ahn’s proposal for an opposition alliance, "I do not understand that statement," and flatly rejected it, saying, "I do not want to intervene in the issue of what is meant by the opposition."

As a result, some analysts suggest that the tug-of-war between Chairman Kim and Ahn over the opposition alliance is ongoing. Previously, Ahn had sent repeated 'love calls' to Chairman Kim, but each time, Kim responded indifferently.

Earlier, on the morning of the 6th, at a lecture invited by the National Future Forum held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building, Ahn addressed People Power Party lawmakers, saying, "There is too much unfavorable sentiment toward the opposition, including the main opposition party," and proposed 'opposition reorganization' as part of opposition reform, saying, "We need to find another way." It was reported that Ahn mentioned the idea of founding a new party as one method of opposition reorganization.

However, Chairman Kim showed a skeptical response. After the Emergency Committee meeting on the 9th, Kim said at a press conference, "Our party is not one that will be swayed by what any politician outside says," and dismissed the idea, saying, "I am not interested in whether some lawmakers agree with Ahn or not." This was interpreted as his intention not to be dragged into the agenda set by Ahn regarding opposition reorganization.

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