According to Yonhap, Jeong visited Ahn at Green Hospital in Seoul's Jungnang district at about 4:50 p.m. on Thursday. Jeong and Rep. Kim Young-hwan met with Ahn for about 15 minutes, the report said.
Ahn began the hunger strike after losing the Democratic Party's primary for North Jeolla Province governor to Lee Won-taek on April 11. Ahn has demanded a renewed party inspection into allegations involving a third party paying meal expenses linked to Lee. On the 12th day of the fast, April 22, Ahn was taken to the hospital as his condition deteriorated.
During the visit, Jeong told Ahn, "You fasted for 12 days, so you should be hospitalized for 12 days to receive treatment. I hope you recover soon," according to the report. Jeong also reportedly suggested having a meal together after Ahn is discharged. Yonhap said there was no mention of a renewed inspection into Lee or of local elections.
Jeong had faced criticism within the party for not visiting Ahn's hunger strike site set up at the National Assembly. Supreme Council member Lee Eon-ju said April 22 that she felt "deeply ashamed" that the party leader had not come even once to "hold his hand." Supreme Council member Kang Deuk-gu also said he did not agree with a party leader "turning away" while a party lawmaker had been on a hunger strike for more than 10 days.
