Ahn Cheol-soo: "Kim Jong-in's actions cross the line... Insulting all opposition supporters"

Ahn Cheol-soo, the preliminary candidate of the People’s Party running for the Seoul mayoral by-election, is preparing ahead of the second unification debate with independent candidate Geum Tae-seop held on the afternoon of the 25th of last month at KNK Digital Tower in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Ahn Cheol-soo, the People's Party candidate for the Seoul mayoral by-election, criticized Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, who harshly described him as a "person who can't even debate," calling it "an act that goes beyond insult to all opposition supporters" on the 16th.

On the same day, Ahn said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "Until now, I have always shown respect to Chairman Kim Jong-in as a senior politician and a partner in opposition unification, but yesterday he crossed the line," adding, "I believe his remarks yesterday were an insult to the opposition unification partner and all opposition supporters."

He continued, "It seems like he is trying to nullify the effect of unification," and said, "He did not criticize candidate Park Young-sun or President Moon at all, but to say such crossing-the-line remarks to a partner is an act of betrayal. I hope he refrains from such comments in the future."

Regarding the failure to reach an agreement in the unification working-level negotiations on the 12th, Ahn said, "Before the negotiation team met, the candidates themselves met twice and agreed on everything except for the opinion polls," adding, "But when we actually went to the working-level negotiation, the representatives from the People Power Party did not acknowledge the candidates' agreement. So, I wonder if there is a 'kingmaker' behind the candidates."

About the expression 'kingmaker behind the candidate,' he said, "I know Oh candidate is someone who keeps his promises regarding agreements. I felt a lot of goodwill during our one-on-one meetings. But I sensed that the 'kingmaker' does not allow it according to his own will." When the host asked, "Does that 'kingmaker' refer to Chairman Kim?" Ahn replied, "I will leave it to your imagination."

Ahn emphasized again, "Many people don't know, but I am the most invited participant to the Kwanhun Debate," adding, "At the Kwanhun Debate, I am evaluated as the best debater who debates sincerely and focuses on content."

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is delivering a greeting at the '1st Rival Debate for Changing Seoul' held at the Baekbeom Kim Koo Memorial Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 16th of last month. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Earlier, on the 15th, Chairman Kim harshly criticized Ahn, saying, "A person who cannot properly debate cannot become a candidate for Seoul mayor." In response, Ahn immediately reacted on his Facebook, saying, "It is truly insulting. I have never avoided debates. Many opposition supporters are sighing at Chairman Kim's stubbornness and emotional remarks."

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