Sim Sang-jung and Ahn Cheol-soo Meet on the 6th... Third Zone Cooperation Kicks Off

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Jeongui Party presidential candidate Sim Sang-jung and People's Party candidate Ahn Cheol-soo are expected to meet on the 6th to discuss political issues.

On the 5th, Sim appeared on 'MBN Jeong Un-gap's Intensive Analysis' and criticized the Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung and the People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Seok-youl, saying, "If this were an advanced country, they should have actually resigned just based on these moral flaws and judicial suspicion issues."

He continued, "Because the two-party system continues, they are forcing the people to choose the lesser evil by saying 'I am better than you,' but our people will not be so easily swayed in this presidential election."

Sim and Ahn have agreed to meet around 2 p.m. on the 6th at an undisclosed location outside the National Assembly and are discussing detailed agendas. Broadly, the discussions are expected to cover ▲ political reform tasks to end the two-party system ▲ introduction of a 'double special prosecutor' (special prosecutors for the Daejang-dong and the accusation scandal) involving the major party candidates ▲ cooperation on presidential election policies.

The two candidates are expected to hold several more meetings afterward and move toward an alliance. However, both sides have drawn a line, stating they are not considering unification talks. In the broadcast interview that day, Sim said, "Unification requires the consent of supporters and encouragement from the people. Candidate Ahn and I have some differences in our lines and support bases, don't we?"

Following this meeting, the two candidates are also expected to begin meetings with other third-zone candidates. Sim said that day, "The third zone I envision is about gathering forces centered on the core tasks the next president and next government must undertake," adding, "It is not about excluding or prioritizing anyone; I plan to meet everyone sequentially."

He also stated, "I am seeking to build the third zone through three alliance strategies: green integration, progressive coalition, and moderate cooperation," expressing his intention to expand alliances with non-parliamentary parties and civic groups in the future.

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