Ahn "The place I belong is not Yeouido but Daegu"... Medical volunteer work receives high praise (Comprehensive)

People Party to Hold Supreme Council Meeting in Daegu on the 6th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, has caused quite a stir with his trip to Daegu. Since returning to Korea last January, Ahn had not shown much presence, but he has been praised for his differentiated actions from established politicians during the COVID-19 crisis. Both the political circles and the public have showered praise on Ahn’s recent medical volunteer work in Daegu.

At the Supreme Council meeting held via video conference on the 4th, Ahn said, "Last weekend, I saw reports that several righteous people were taking leave to head to Daegu, and at that moment, I thought that the place I should be was not Yeouido but Daegu." He added, "My wife and I will do our best here in Daegu for the time being. Not as politician Ahn Cheol-soo, but as medical professional Ahn Cheol-soo and as one of the people of the Republic of Korea, I want to contribute even a small amount of strength."

Ahn emphasized, "It has been four days since I came down to Daegu. I am currently at Keimyung University Daegu Dongsan Hospital, and across the street is Seomun Market. That market has closed. Even during wars in the Joseon Dynasty and recent large fires, it remained open." He continued, "The roads are quiet and the city is silent. However, every Daegu citizen I have met in person has been calm and composed. I have witnessed the mature civic consciousness of Daegu citizens striving to overcome this crisis."

Ahn stated, "Many medical volunteer workers from all over the country have taken leave and risked danger to come here." He added, "Each and every one of those working hard here is a true hero and patriot. In their sweat, I see the greatness of the people of the Republic of Korea."

The People’s Party, considering the difficulty of discussing current issues such as proportional representation candidate recommendations while Ahn stays in Daegu, decided to hold the Supreme Council meeting in Daegu on the 6th. Lee Seung-hoon, spokesperson for the People’s Party, told reporters after the meeting, "Since the party leader is in Daegu, communication has not been smooth, so we decided to hold a closed Supreme Council meeting in Daegu." He added, "We will schedule it so as not to interfere with Ahn’s medical volunteer schedule."

Regarding how long Ahn plans to continue volunteering, the spokesperson said, "He has a strong will to continue as long as he is needed," and "There are no plans at all for a return to Seoul schedule."

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