Ahn Cheol-soo Hints at Presidential Run... "Will Listen to Public Opinion During Chuseok"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on the 16th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, emphasized 'unifying leadership' for regime change, effectively hinting at his presidential candidacy.

On the morning of the 16th, Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly marking his '10 years in politics,' stating, "I firmly declare here that my original intention and determination to create a better Republic of Korea have not changed at all even now, in my 10th year." Ahn had previously announced his candidacy for the 18th presidential election on September 19, 2012.

Ahn said, "In order to survive amid difficult domestic circumstances and a rapidly changing world, what is needed is not a political gambler but a problem-solving leadership. What is absolutely necessary to overcome the crisis is unifying leadership," adding, "The presidential election is the greatest opportunity to seek new leadership. If we miss this chance, there will be no new future for the Republic of Korea."

He then emphasized his vision. He explained, "Instead of the voices of the established political arena that neglect national and public problem-solving and only fight to gain their own faction’s interests, I want to offer the people confidence that 'this is how the Republic of Korea can become a better country,' based on expertise accumulated in many fields on the ground?from doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, to politicians," and added, "The politics I want to pursue is problem-solving politics. It is politics of pragmatism and responsibility."

The timing of his presidential run is expected to be after Chuseok. Ahn said, "I have promised the people that if there is anything I can do for regime change, I will not hesitate to do it," and "During this Chuseok holiday, I plan to spend time fully listening to and gathering the opinions of party members and the public on what needs to be done for a better Republic of Korea."

The People’s Party has been discussing its role in next year’s presidential election. On the 13th, they reviewed party laws; on the 14th, held a full video conference with about 50 members including supreme council members, provincial party chairpersons, and regional committee heads; and the day before, collected opinions from about 50 political appointees. Through this, they agreed to launch a 'Presidential Election Planning Group.' Future directions will be discussed within this group.

After the press conference, Ahn told reporters, "One thing is clear: regardless of the role I play, I will make the most important discourse about what we will live on in the future, how to solve immediate issues like COVID-19 and problems of self-employed people, moving away from negativity, money distribution competitions, and gambling-like situations that dominate this election," and added, "I am willing to take any role to make that happen."

Regarding running for the vacant Jongno seat following former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon’s resignation, Ahn drew a line. He said, "The most important thing is the presidential election," and "It is a moment that decides the nation’s fate. Therefore, I will focus on considering what role the People’s Party and I will play in the presidential election."

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