Geum Tae-seop: "Ahn Always Returns to Square One in Politics... Entrepreneurial Mindset Remains"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop criticized Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, who demanded a unified opposition candidate, saying he "always engages in politics that return to square one."

On the morning of the 8th, Geum appeared on BBS Radio's 'Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal' and said, "In fact, there were many opportunities to present good politics, and many people including myself supported the greater cause, but looking at it now, it seems that politics always returns to square one, which is regrettable and disappointing."

He pointed out, "This is not because Ahn Cheol-soo is a successful politician personally, but because it was an opportunity to change politics, so it is truly regrettable. Even when declaring his candidacy for Seoul mayor, Ahn was not an independent but the leader of the People’s Party, yet he did not inform us of any procedures within the party."

There should have been consensus among members before the candidacy declaration. Geum said, "Seeing what he is doing this time, sometimes I think the entrepreneurial mindset from his business days still remains. Since this is not an era where one can make decisions alone, it is necessary to create a framework where diverse opinions can be gathered rather than deciding and announcing alone."

Regarding the possibility of a meeting with Ahn, he said, "It is not about meeting too quickly to discuss 'how to decide the candidate,' but each side needs an opportunity to talk about 'what kind of Seoul mayor they want to be' and 'how to change politics.' If they meet, it is important to arrange a public debate rather than just a private conversation between the two."

He added, "If they just meet to exchange pleasantries and greetings, only speculation will continue, and rumors about whether Ahn will join the party or how the unification will happen will spread, which I do not think is desirable."

He stated that he plans to declare his candidacy for Seoul mayor before the Lunar New Year. He said, "I intend to make an official candidacy declaration with a concrete plan, not late, at the latest before the Lunar New Year," and "I think it will be sometime in January."

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