Ahn Cheol-soo and Han Dong-hoon, candidates for the People Power Party's presidential primary, clashed on the 26th, targeting each other's vulnerabilities, including their short political experiences and histories of founding and unifying parties.
During the second primary's final four debate held by MBN in Jung-gu, Seoul, the two candidates, who are both proponents of impeachment, devoted much of their allotted time to asking each other questions, focusing intensely on their weaknesses.
Candidate Ahn first pointed out that Han is a former prosecutor and has a short political experience. He asked, "Former President Yoon was a prosecutor with little political experience, and an unfortunate situation arose after three years. Do you think there is a possibility of electing another former prosecutor with little political experience?"
In response, candidate Han said, "Though my political experience is short, I fought and won against the Democratic Party on the financial investment income tax, I managed to prevent taxation on virtual currencies, I achieved a comeback victory in the local elections, and I courageously fought while pointing out the wrongdoings of former President Yoon. Ultimately, I prevented a martial law." He then questioned Ahn, saying, "Haven't you been in politics for over ten years? You have changed parties quite a lot. What kind of politics have you engaged in over the past ten years?"
Ahn pointed out that Han did not propose the 'special investigation law' for the military, which he promised when he declared his candidacy for party leader.
In response, Han countered, "From a conservative perspective, I thought it was necessary because of the respect for the military and the realization of veterans' benefits. There were many discussions within the party. I mentioned this to Ahn, but he also did not propose it separately." Ahn replied, "I believed that you would propose it."
Then, when it was Han's turn to take the lead, he pointed out that the candidate from Ahn's district assembly in the recent April 2nd by-elections failed to be elected and countered, "It seems that you are not recognized by the public even in your own stronghold; how can you claim to win against Lee Jae-myung in a national election?" Ahn replied, "It is a crisis for our entire party," indicating that it was a difficult situation during the impeachment period.
When Han asked if his support during the previous 22nd general elections was helpful, Ahn showed a somewhat flustered expression and replied, "It was helpful to some extent."
Han also pointed out that Ahn had unified in the past with candidates from the progressive camp such as former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and former President Moon Jae-in. He asked, "Did you share their political orientation? Have your thoughts changed since then, or do you still hold the same views?"
In response, Ahn said, "I declared not to run because I had no intention of entering politics, and Mayor Park was there. I did not declare my support for him." He continued, "What was known as support was because he embraced me," adding, "How could that happen suddenly between acquaintances?"