Ha Jung-woo, former presidential AI and future planning secretary, and Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, met for the first time at Gupo Market in Busan on Saturday, both having thrown their hats into the ring for the Busan Buk-A by-election. The two exchanged pleasantries and pledged to engage in fair competition.
The two encountered each other that afternoon while meeting merchants and citizens at Gupo Market. Han placed his hand on Ha's shoulder first and offered a friendly greeting, saying, "Take care of your health," to which Ha replied, "Yes, you must stay healthy too."
Han then said, "Please do well," and Ha responded emphatically, "Yes, let's fight on, fight on."
Han and Ha previously appeared together on an economics YouTube channel in March last year, where they discussed AI technology. When the two met again on Saturday, the atmosphere remained cordial. When Han remarked, "You look a bit thinner than when I last saw you," Ha laughed and replied, "I had gained some weight, but work has been busy (tough)."
Han then said, "Let's make this productive," and Ha responded, "Of course, let's do this constructively and progressively together." The two embraced and patted each other's backs in encouragement.
Ha also met with Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party. Lee was campaigning alongside Jung Yi-han, the party's candidate for Busan mayor.
When Lee asked, "So you're going into politics?" Ha replied, "Since I'm already here, I'll work hard." Lee then said, "If you've come this far, you have to win. That's what politics is about," and Ha expressed strong determination, saying, "Of course, I have to win. I will win, no matter what."
