Ahn Cheol-soo Apologizes to Bareunmirae Party Members... "I Am Also Responsible for the Party's Current Situation"

"My shortcomings prevented me from meeting the people's expectations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former Bareunmirae Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo stated on the 8th, "Although the people and party members have given me excessive love and great expectations, I was unable to meet those expectations due to my shortcomings," and added, "I sincerely apologize."

In a New Year's greeting message sent to party members that day, former lawmaker Ahn said, "The current situation of the Bareunmirae Party, which I pursued with the belief that harmony between Yeongnam and Honam regions and national unity are necessary for South Korea to move toward the future, is also my responsibility," and added, "The People's Party, based in Honam, extended a hand first with a pure intention to change the course of history in the right direction, but there was a lack of persuasion during the process, and the result was distorted."

He said, "I have seriously considered quitting politics," and continued, "In the situation when I was called, I reflected on how faithfully I responded to the flow of the times, what errors and mistakes I made, and where South Korea is heading in the world racing toward the future. For over a year, while looking back on the past, I believed that even if not in politics, I could be of valuable use somewhere, so I diligently met many experts around the world."

He added, "The reason I responded to the call of politics was because I wanted to help even a little those whose lives are becoming increasingly difficult and who have lost hope, and I believed that we must change an absurd and unfair society to move forward together into the future. The sincerity, goodwill, and original intention at that time have not changed even now," emphasizing his point.

Former lawmaker Ahn said, "Now, I will appeal sincerely and with goodwill about the direction our Republic of Korea should take," and added, "To regain hope, we must first change our thinking. I will also have the opportunity to speak about a paradigm shift in awareness for a national overhaul."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.