Oh Se-hoon and Ahn Cheol-soo Reconfirm Candidate Unification: "The Opposition Must Definitely Join Forces" (Comprehensive)

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 candidate for Seoul mayor, and Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Party candidate for Seoul mayor, 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, Oh said, "Yesterday afternoon, Candidate Ahn issued a statement saying he should be the unified opposition candidate, so I responded to balance the situation. Although my statement was short, my expression was too direct," and apologized, saying, "I am sorry." He added, "There will be no more sharp exchanges between Candidate Ahn and me," emphasizing, "The will to unify is firm."

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, "I am consciously trying not to pay attention to polls regarding a three-way race." He said, "The opposition will surely lose if divided in the Seoul mayoral race," and "I will not take that path." Furthermore, he stated, "No matter what happens, I will stake everything to successfully unify and serve as a stepping stone and bridgehead to block the Moon Jae-in administration’s tyranny and incompetence," and "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, "Since I declared my candidacy for this Seoul mayoral election on December 20 last year, I have expressed this position," 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," and said, "Once one candidate enters the Seoul mayor’s office and starts working, the other will do their best to support that person in serving 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 joint or coalition government is Germany," and said, "I think we can get hints from there."

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

Regarding the Queer Festival, Candidate Ahn said, "I have a belief in respecting minority human rights and also respect freedom of assembly," but added, "Although it is a minority, there were many excessive parts inappropriate for children. Having seen cases abroad, I suggested that we hold the festival together with visitors coming to see that place."

On the other hand, Oh said about the Queer Festival, "It is Korea where minority rights are protected," and "I think a society culture where minorities are cared for and respected should be the principle of a mature society." However, he added, "Seoul has a plaza usage review committee, which decides through deliberation 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 on the redevelopment of Gwanghwamun Square. Candidate Ahn said, "I have opposed it since the start of the reconstruction," and "If I become mayor, I will immediately stop the construction and decide after consulting citizens’ opinions." Meanwhile, 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 "After taking office, I will investigate the background, listen to the construction status, and hear citizens’ opinions."

Separately from the vision debate, the People Power Party and the People’s Party held working-level negotiations to coordinate their positions regarding the debate and polls.

Through the negotiations, both sides agreed to hold one TV debate on the afternoon of the 16th. Seong Il-jong, an emergency committee member of the People Power Party who participated in the working-level talks, introduced, "The TV debate will be held tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. for 80 minutes with a designated organizer." The debate format will proceed in the order of opening remarks, moderator’s common questions, moderated discussion, free discussion, and closing remarks.

Some outlines of the poll for candidate unification also emerged.

Seong said, "We decided to conduct the poll at two designated places," but added that further discussions on the specific polls will be held in an additional meeting on the 16th.

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