The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_twitter_on_2022.svgbt_twitter_over_2022.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_twitter_on_2022.svgbt_twitter_over_2022.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
  • Login
  • Register
  • Login
  • Register
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
  • 1

    Disgraced ex-minister's daughter says she feels proud, qualified as a doctor

  • 3

    Coupang reveals Asia's largest fulfillment center in Daegu

  • 5

    Ex-gov't employee summarily indicted for alleged attempt to sell Jungkook's lost hat

  • 7

    Tiger endures 3 years of solitary confinement in closed zoo

  • 9

    Netflix survival show 'Physical 100' attracts viewers with sweat, muscle and human story

  • 11

    Rescuers race against time as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 5,000

  • 13

    Ex-justice minister, daughter blamed for unrepentant attitude over academic fraud

  • 15

    INTERVIEW'Korea, US can create synergy in space industry': NASA ambassador

  • 17

    Seoul narrows in on new slogan

  • 19

    Turkey-Syria quake toll tops 11,000 as rescuers battle cold

  • 2

    Singer Lee Seung-gi to marry actor Lee Da-in in April

  • 4

    SM in internal feud over founder's exit from producing

  • 6

    'Celebrity forests' emerge as new K-pop trend in Seoul

  • 8

    Seoul city zeroes in on foreign residents' unpaid taxes

  • 10

    Korean Peninsula may face fallout from balloon saga

  • 12

    Peak Time: Survival show for lesser-known K-pop boy bands to hit air

  • 14

    SM founder Lee Soo-man returns home, in hospital to treat arm fracture

  • 16

    Apple confirms launch of Apple Pay in Korea

  • 18

    Chainsaw Fest set to rip apart Club SHARP

  • 20

    South Korea steps up efforts to resolve issue of aging separated families

Close scrollclosebutton

Close for 24 hours

Open
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Thu, February 9, 2023 | 11:46
Politics
Ahn proposes fielding single opposition candidate to Yoon
Posted : 2022-02-13 17:04
Updated : 2022-02-13 18:14
Jung Da-min
Print PreviewPrint Preview
Font Size UpFont Size Up
Font Size DownFont Size Down
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • kakaolink
  • whatsapp
  • reddit
  • mailto
  • link
Ahn Cheol-soo, right, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition conservative People's Party, and Yoon Suk-yeol, left, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, appear before the second TV debate among four of the presidential candidates, held at local broadcaster MBN in Seoul's Jung District, Friday. The other two candidates included Sim Sang-jung, on the back, of the Justice Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Joint Press Corps
Ahn Cheol-soo, right, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition conservative People's Party, and Yoon Suk-yeol, left, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, appear before the second TV debate among four of the presidential candidates, held at local broadcaster MBN in Seoul's Jung District, Friday. The other two candidates included Sim Sang-jung, on the back, of the Justice Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Joint Press Corps

Presidential race enters final stretch with candidate registrations Sunday

By Jung Da-min

Minor opposition People's Party candidate Ahn Cheol-soo officially proposed fielding a single presidential candidate to main opposition People Power Party (PPP) candidate Yoon Suk-yeol, Sunday, in a bid to ensure a "landslide victory" against the ruling party.

His proposal came as the race for the March 9 presidential election enters the final stretch with most candidates of different parties completing candidate registration, Sunday, the first day of the two-day registration period of the National Election Commission (NEC).

Four major candidates, including Lee Jae-myung of the ruling liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Yoon Suk-yeol of the PPP, Ahn of the People's Party and Sim Sang-jung of the minor opposition progressive Justice Party, have registered their candidacies.

With only about three weeks left ahead of the election, the prospect of a unified candidacy between the two opposition conservative parties ― Yoon and Ahn ― has risen as the biggest variable in the presidential race.

On Sunday, Ahn held a surprise press conference to propose the unified candidacy to Yoon, floating the idea of conducting a primary of the two candidates based on public opinion polls.

Although Yoon and the PPP welcomed Ahn's proposal, they opposed the primary based on public opinion polls and called on Ahn to make "a courageous decision," which was seen as an indirect call to back Yoon's single candidacy.

Currently, the two mainstream candidates, Lee and Yoon, are in a neck-and-neck race in opinion polls, with Ahn coming in third.

The unification of Yoon and Ahn, if achieved, is seen as a winning formula for the opposition bloc, but the result is unpredictable when the two sides are at odds over how to achieve that goal.

Ahn said a unified candidacy would be the only way for either of the candidates to win the election by a landslide to demonstrate overwhelming public support for a leadership change and political reform of the country, especially when the current ruling DPK has a supermajority in the National Assembly.

Ahn Cheol-soo, right, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition conservative People's Party, and Yoon Suk-yeol, left, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, appear before the second TV debate among four of the presidential candidates, held at local broadcaster MBN in Seoul's Jung District, Friday. The other two candidates included Sim Sang-jung, on the back, of the Justice Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Joint Press Corps
Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition conservative People's Party, speaks during a surprise press conference to announce his proposal for a unified candidate to the main opposition conservative People Power Party and its candidate Yoon Suk-yeol, held online through YouTube, Sunday. Captured from YouTube

He added: "Even if an opposition candidate beats the ruling party candidate in a neck-and-neck race, it is highly likely that the president would have little power."

Ahn also said a primary based on public opinion polls would assure fairness to both candidates and their supporters, as well as other members of the public who have remained undecided over their preferred candidate.

"An overwhelming election victory is possible if both candidates first present their political visions and reform tasks as their election pledges to the members of the public, unify their candidacy through the primary based on public opinion polls and then form one team behind the single candidate and a running mate whoever wins the primary," Ahn said.

Bring back the bunnies: Lee, Yoon grapple with revolt of stronghold voters
Bring back the bunnies: Lee, Yoon grapple with revolt of stronghold voters
2022-02-14 08:13  |  Politics

"Then the two candidates would be able to work together after the election victory, to make the next administration a successful one."

At odds over method

Responding to Ahn's message, PPP spokesman Lee Yang-soo said: "We see the principle of unification of the opposition parties presented by candidate Ahn as a positive call reflecting the people's aspirations for a leadership change. However, the method proposed by candidate Ahn, which he referred to as a 'national primary,' runs the risk of going against the public's demand for the leadership change."

The PPP spokesman said the gap between the approval ratings of Ahn and Yoon is already large and such a primary based on public opinion polls could be abused as a measure to divide the opposition bloc by the DPK and supporters of Lee.

"We expect candidate Ahn Cheol-soo would make a courageous decision for the unification of the opposition bloc by respecting the people's aspirations and great cause for a leadership change," the spokesman said.

The PPP's Yoon also said later in the day that he positively views Ahn's proposal and he would review the national primary method he proposed, but said the proposal has left much to be desired without giving further explanation.

Ahn Cheol-soo, right, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition conservative People's Party, and Yoon Suk-yeol, left, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, appear before the second TV debate among four of the presidential candidates, held at local broadcaster MBN in Seoul's Jung District, Friday. The other two candidates included Sim Sang-jung, on the back, of the Justice Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Joint Press Corps
Yoon Suk-yeol, right, the presidential candidate of the main opposition conservative People Power Party, shakes hands with former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence ahead of their closed meeting at Signiel Seoul in Songpa District, Sunday. Courtesy of People Power Party

In a survey of 1,001 adults of their preferred presidential candidates conducted from Feb. 8 to 10 by local pollster Gallup Korea, 37 percent of the respondents said they support Yoon, followed by Lee at 36 percent and Ahn at 13 percent.

When there has been no surefire winner predicted in recent polls of the presidential hopefuls including the Gallup poll, the candidates have engaged in their last-ditch campaigning.

DPK's Lee has been trying to expand his support base by appealing to swing voters and centrists. Lee recently held a series of meetings with veteran conservative politicians including Kim Chong-in, former interim chief of the PPP, former lawmaker Yi Sang-don and former Environment Minister Yoon Yeo-joon.

Ahn Cheol-soo, right, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition conservative People's Party, and Yoon Suk-yeol, left, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, appear before the second TV debate among four of the presidential candidates, held at local broadcaster MBN in Seoul's Jung District, Friday. The other two candidates included Sim Sang-jung, on the back, of the Justice Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Joint Press Corps
Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling liberal Democratic Party of Korea, delivers a speech during his visit to a local market in Seogwipo city on Jeju Island, Sunday. Yonhap

PPP's Yoon has focused more on appealing to the younger generation in their 20s and 30s through different campaigning strategies including uploading YouTube videos targeting young voters.

Sim of the Justice Party has focused on promoting the rights of social minority groups including workers subject to poor conditions, women struggling to achieve social equality and the disabled fighting for their basic rights.

Ahn Cheol-soo, right, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition conservative People's Party, and Yoon Suk-yeol, left, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, appear before the second TV debate among four of the presidential candidates, held at local broadcaster MBN in Seoul's Jung District, Friday. The other two candidates included Sim Sang-jung, on the back, of the Justice Party, and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Joint Press Corps
Sim Sang-jung, the presidential candidate of the minor opposition progressive Justice Party, speaks during a policy conference with health and welfare counselors at the Government Complex Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, Sunday. Joint Press Corps

So far, two rounds of TV debates among the four candidates have taken place. The first round held Feb. 3 was finished leaving no surefire winner. The candidates engaged in fiercer debates at the second round held last Friday, with Yoon and Lee attacking each other for alleged corruption scandals. As several more rounds of TV debates are expected to held, their ratings could also change in the presidential competition.

Further details of the polls are available on the website of the survey agency or of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.




Emaildamin.jung@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
Top 10 Stories
1Korean Peninsula may face fallout from balloon saga Korean Peninsula may face fallout from balloon saga
2[PHOTOS] Turkey-Syria earthquake PHOTOSTurkey-Syria earthquake
3Daughter-centered photos, title of honor reinforce speculation over North Korea succession Daughter-centered photos, title of honor reinforce speculation over North Korea succession
4[INTERVIEW] 'Growth slowdown can accelerate depletion of retirement pension fund' INTERVIEW'Growth slowdown can accelerate depletion of retirement pension fund'
5SM's management dispute to benefit KakaoSM's management dispute to benefit Kakao
6National Assembly votes to impeach interior minister for Itaewon tragedy National Assembly votes to impeach interior minister for Itaewon tragedy
7Philip Morris seeks to surpass KT&G in e-cigarette market Philip Morris seeks to surpass KT&G in e-cigarette market
8SM6 Feel attracts customers with popular options, low price SM6 Feel attracts customers with popular options, low price
9[INTERVIEW] Veteran US photographer gives environment 'visual voice' to chronicle climate change INTERVIEWVeteran US photographer gives environment 'visual voice' to chronicle climate change
10Korean companies move to support victims in earthquake-hit Turkey, Syria Korean companies move to support victims in earthquake-hit Turkey, Syria
Top 5 Entertainment News
1Decoding success factors of NewJeans: How is it different? Decoding success factors of NewJeans: How is it different?
2SM in internal feud over founder's exit from producing SM in internal feud over founder's exit from producing
3The Boyz member Hyunjae apologizes for wearing hat with Rising Sun flag design The Boyz member Hyunjae apologizes for wearing hat with Rising Sun flag design
4Peak Time: Survival show for lesser-known K-pop boy bands to hit air Peak Time: Survival show for lesser-known K-pop boy bands to hit air
5K-pop stars and dating K-pop stars and dating
DARKROOM
  • [PHOTOS] Turkey-Syria earthquake

    [PHOTOS] Turkey-Syria earthquake

  • Nepal plane crash

    Nepal plane crash

  • Brazil capital uprising

    Brazil capital uprising

  • Happy New Year 2023

    Happy New Year 2023

  • World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

    World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel : 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
Date of registration : 2020.02.05
Masthead : The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Services
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Site Map
  • Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Ombudsman
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group