[Interview] Jo Jeonghun "Ahn Cheolsoo and Geum Taeseop Created a Third Zone and Then Filed for Closure"

"New Faces Not Seen, Rebroadcast from 10 Years Ago"
"Seoul City Demands Deregulation Instead of Government Subsidies"

Cho Jung-hoon, candidate for Seoul mayor from the Transition Era party. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung and Jeon Jin-young] Jo Jeong-hoon, a member of the Transition Era party running in the Seoul mayoral by-election, criticized Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, and former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, saying they "created a third zone and then effectively filed for business closure themselves." He argued that if unification with the People Power Party is the final destination anyway, it results in the elimination of the 'third zone.' Citing jobs as one of Seoul’s urgent challenges, he also insisted that "instead of receiving government subsidies, all regulations must be abolished."

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 5th, Rep. Jo said, "Currently, what is called unification in the third zone is just an intermediate stop, and since the bus is ultimately headed to the People Power Party, how can it be a third zone?" He added, "Leader Ahn and former Rep. Geum created the third zone, but by doing so, they completely closed the door themselves. It’s like filing for business closure."

Rep. Jo reportedly proposed excluding 'judging the Moon Jae-in administration' from Ahn’s five unification principles, seeing a contradiction between that and 'competing with policies and visions instead of negativity.' Although Jo said he would pursue an independent path without unification with the People Power Party if he became the unified candidate, no response was received.

Rep. Jo said, "The important thing is how to make this 'embarrassing election' meaningful, and for that, new figures are needed," adding, "The current candidates feel like reruns from 10 years ago, like season 3 of the movie 'Home Alone' that airs every holiday." Regarding Leader Ahn, he said, "It’s been 10 years since he came out saying he would do new politics, but now I wonder what’s really new." He was emphasizing his own freshness.

On the same day, Rep. Jo planned to have a conversation with Woo Sang-ho, a member of the Democratic Party, about his pledges including the 'four-day workweek.' Jo mentioned, "Anyone can engage in policy discussions regardless of party lines."

He also emphasized agendas that could radically change society. Rep. Jo is advocating for the introduction of a four-day workweek, basic income, and the abolition of the point system for single-person household housing applications. In addition, he stressed deregulation.

He said, "The most urgent issues in Seoul are jobs along with real estate," and added, "Seoul will no longer need government subsidies and will demand deregulation. Except for regulations related to life and the environment, all companies should be allowed to operate as they wish."

He continued, "Since manufacturing has become smart, I believe it can come to Seoul. Although there is talk of making Seoul a financial hub, considering Korea’s world-class financial regulations, the possibility is low." Rep. Jo has experience working at the World Bank.

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