The TV debate between Ahn Chul-soo, a former Democratic Party member, and Keum Tae-seop, a former member of the Democratic Party, was canceled. It seems that the two sides, which are discussing’unification of the third zone’ ahead of the Seoul Mayor’s by-election, have not been able to narrow their disagreements. The People’s Party and the Geum Tae-seop camp seem to postpone their responsibilities to each other.
On the 14th, one day before the TV debate, former lawmaker Tae-seop Geum distributed a statement in the name of the camp to reporters. Rep. Geum Jeon said, “It has become difficult to proceed with the first TV debate with Candidate Chul-soo Ahn as announced. The scheduled debate is tomorrow, but the working-level discussions have not yet ended. I deeply apologize to the citizens who expected the heated debate for unification of opposition rights.” “He said.
“I initially proposed to start a debate before the New Year’s Day and hoped to have as many discussions as possible, but I did not insist on my position and fully accepted the opinions of the other side.” I can’t help but say that I am sorry for the ongoing situation.”
In addition, he said, “In order to win the election and, above all, to guarantee citizens’ right to choose, sincere debate between candidates is essential,” he said. “If only the fierce battles between the candidates are guaranteed, rather than saying the answers memorized to predetermined questions, I will form a debate. We will actively accept the opinions of Candidate Ahn on other matters.” “I hope that a debate will be held as soon as possible and a beautiful contest can be held,” he added.
On the other hand, the National Assembly insisted that the dissolution of the TV debate was attributable to the refusal of former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop’s working-level discussion. Ahn Hye-jin, a spokesman for the People’s Party, said, “I apologize to the public for the fact that the TV debate has been disrupted by schedule,” he said. “For a smooth unification, mutual understanding and sincerity are important.”
Spokeswoman Ahn Hye-jin said, “Candidate Tae-seop Geum urges us to immediately engage in unification working discussions, which publicly refused to open a debate as soon as possible.” As it is an issue that cannot be achieved through assertion or persistence, it is necessary to overcome the difference by promptly resuming working-level discussions with both sides.”
Spokesman Ahn repeated, “Once again, the working-level negotiation team for Candidate Tae-seop Geum withdraws the refusal to negotiate working-level negotiations, and we sincerely ask for negotiations.”