Oh Se-hoon and Ahn Cheol-soo Reaffirm Unity Commitment... United Voice: "Opposition Division Means Certain Defeat" (Update)

Vision Presentation for Seoul Mayor Candidate Unification Held on the 15th
Oh Softens Atmosphere with Direct Apology Amid Sharp Exchanges
Ahn Emphasizes "Unification Position to Be Announced from December 20"

On the 15th, Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral candidate, and Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party's Seoul mayoral candidate, attended the unification vision presentation held at The Plus Studio in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, and exchanged greetings. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Lee Hyun-joo] Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, and Ahn Cheol-soo, the People’s Party candidate, who challenged the April 7 Seoul mayoral election, have reconciled their conflicts and reaffirmed their commitment to unification.

On the 15th, at the Seoul mayoral candidate unification vision presentation held at the KNK Digital Tower studio, Candidate Oh apologized, saying, “Yesterday afternoon, Candidate Ahn issued a statement that he should be the unified opposition candidate, so I issued a statement to balance that, but although it was short, my expression was too direct. I apologize.” He added, “There will be no more sharp disputes between Candidate Ahn and me,” emphasizing, “The will to unify is firm.”

Candidate Oh reaffirmed his commitment to unification despite mentioning polls showing he would win even in a three-way race against Park Young-sun of the Democratic Party and Candidate Ahn. Oh said, “I am grateful for the support despite my many flaws and shortcomings,” but added, “However, I am consciously trying not to pay attention to polls regarding a three-way race.” He stated, “If the opposition is divided, the Seoul mayor will inevitably lose. I will not take that path.” Furthermore, he said, “No matter what happens, I will stake everything to successfully unify and serve as a stepping stone and bridgehead to stop the Moon Jae-in administration’s tyranny and incompetence,” and declared, “I appreciate the support, but a three-way race is not in my mind.”

Candidate Ahn also emphasized unification. He said, “If I become the unified opposition candidate and win the mayoral election, I will create a bigger number 2,” adding, “The reason I am working hard in the Seoul mayoral election is for regime change.” He stated, “I have expressed this position since I declared my candidacy for this Seoul mayoral election on December 20 last year,” and stressed, “The opposition must unite to judge the ruthless regime.”

He continued, “Even if there were incidents yesterday and today, they were competitions in good faith, and desirable competition will restart from this moment,” adding, “Once one candidate enters the Seoul mayor’s office and starts working, the other will watch over and help that person do their best for the citizens.”

Oh and Ahn also confirmed that they have reached considerable agreement on joint governance after the Seoul mayoral election. Oh said, “It is proper not to disclose specifics before unification,” but added, “Once unified, the two of us will announce it.” Oh mentioned, “The most successful example of a joint government or coalition government is Germany,” and said, “I think we can get hints from there.”

After giving presentations on the future of Seoul, the two candidates took questions from reporters. During this, they drew attention by making differing remarks regarding the Queer Festival and the redevelopment of Gwanghwamun Square.

Regarding the Queer Festival, Candidate Ahn said, “I have a conviction to respect minority human rights and also respect freedom of assembly,” but added, “Although it is only some parts, there were excessive elements inappropriate for children. Having seen cases abroad, I suggested that how about holding the festival together with visitors who came to see that place.”

On the other hand, Candidate Oh said about the Queer Festival, “It is Korea where minority human rights are protected,” and “I think a society culture that is considerate and respectful should be a principle of a mature society.” However, he added, “Seoul has a plaza use review committee, and this committee decides through review according to ordinances,” and said, “Whether the Queer Festival is held at Seoul Plaza or another location, it must be held through this committee.”

They also showed contrasting views regarding the redevelopment of Gwanghwamun Square. Candidate Ahn said, “I have opposed it since the start of the reconstruction,” and added, “If I become mayor, I will immediately stop the construction and decide after asking citizens’ opinions.” In contrast, Candidate Oh said, “I have not reached a conclusion and am still considering,” deferring judgment. He said, “I have a major principle not to overturn what the previous mayor started,” and added, “After taking office, I will investigate the circumstances, listen to the construction status, and hear the opinions of the citizens.”

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