Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party presidential primary candidate, and Lee Jae-myung, the Reform Party presidential candidate, will hold a talk on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) technology hegemony on the 25th.
Both camps announced on the 24th, 'Tomorrow at 2 p.m., we will conduct a talk titled "Talking about the Future of Korea in the Era of AI Technology" with "Ahn Cheol-soo X Lee Jae-myung, a refreshing talk to open the future."'
Candidate Ahn noted in a Channel A interview the previous day, 'It is truly desirable to unite with everyone who raises the banner of 'anti-Lee Jae-myung' to bring about a change in government,' and he suggested to candidate Lee, 'Aren't we both from a science and engineering background? It would be helpful for the people to create opportunities to discuss AI issues.'
Candidate Lee mentioned the interview on his Facebook that same day, saying, 'In a situation where only lawyers obsessed with sending each other to prison fill the election scene, Ahn's proposal for a discussion on AI and science and engineering issues feels like a refreshing change.'
Candidate Lee also wrote on Facebook that day, 'Although there have been various political disagreements between Ahn Cheol-soo and me, I believe we should come together in the face of the common challenge of scientific and technological hegemony.' He added, 'Out of respect for Ahn Cheol-soo, I suggested that it would be better to hold it at Pangyo Techno Valley Square, his constituency.'
The two candidates have a history of animosity that began when they faced each other in the 20th National Assembly elections in Nowon, Seoul, in 2016, representing different political parties. This discussion is also analyzed as an opportunity for the 'arch-enemies' to seek policy cooperation centered around AI and science and technology.