Hong Jun-pyo Apologizes for Teasing Ahn Cheol-soo on TV Debate, Praises His Decisiveness

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo evaluated the TV debate of Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate for Seoul mayor, on the 18th, saying there was "a remarkable progress."

On that day, Hong posted on his Facebook, "I sincerely apologize for having mocked Ahn as 'Ancho-ding' after watching the debate during the last presidential election," and made the comment.

Hong praised, "Ahn's remark in today's TV debate that 'Seoul needs a problem solver who works well rather than a commentator who speaks well' was an amazing rhetoric," adding, "His decisiveness stood out, and his ability to use concise language is a remarkable progress."

He continued, "The core task of rebuilding Seoul, which was ruined by superficial events during Park Won-soon's 10 years as mayor, was condensed into one phrase by candidate Ahn. Well done."

Previously, in May 2017, when Hong ran as the Liberty Korea Party (now People Power Party) presidential candidate, he called Ahn, then the People's Party presidential candidate, "Ancho-ding" at a campaign event, saying, "After the TV debate, I saw nicknames on social media."

Meanwhile, on the same day, candidate Ahn appeared in a TV debate hosted by Channel A along with independent Seoul mayor preliminary candidate Geum Tae-seop. The two candidates, who are pushing for a 'third zone unification' in the opposition camp, faced off on the theme of "Evaluation and alternatives of the Moon Jae-in administration's four years."

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