The main opposition party's presidential hopeful Moon Jae-in on Tuesday officially called for the start of negotiations that will help pick a single candidate to represent the liberal camp in the December election.
The standard bearer for the Democratic United Party (DUP) said there should be no more delay on the single candidacy issue.
The remarks come a day after independent contender Ahn Cheol-soo told his campaign staff that they should refrain from commenting on the single candidacy issue at least until Nov. 10, when he is expected to announce his comprehensive campaign pledges and policies.
"It will be November soon and Ahn's election camp needs to explain itself on this crucial matter," Rep. Woo Won-ship, Moon's spokesman, said.
He said that if a single candidacy is to be decided before presidential contenders are required to register with the National Election Commission on Nov. 25-26, full-fledged efforts to physically select a candidate should start by the middle of next month at the latest.
"Meaningful progress must be made soon," the DUP official said pointing out that the liberal camp is already running late.
In response, Ahn skirted the issue of starting talks on unifying the liberal camp's bid ahead of the Dec. 19 poll.
In a speech delivered at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahn called on politicians to give up their vested rights and share the pain of the people.
The former software entrepreneur in addition claimed that his rivals were making an issue of his remarks about reducing the number of lawmakers.
Ahn has been receiving flak from liberals, progressives and conservatives on this issue with many attacking his lack of experience in public office for making such "rash" statements.
"The important thing is that 70 percent of the public agrees with my form of political reform," he said.
Reflecting this, Kim Sung-sik, a co-chairperson from Ahn's election office, said the DUP should acknowledge that the independent candidate represents the spirit of the times.
"There is a need to move beyond simple change in government so as to open a new chapter in politics and the future," the former lawmaker said. (Yonhap)