Ahn Cheol-soo: "Presidential Election Will Go to the End... Failure of Unification and Regime Change Is the Responsibility of Major Parties"

Repeatedly Expressed Intention to Complete the Presidential Race

Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, is speaking at the presidential candidate invitation meeting held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 9th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, declared his intention to complete the presidential race, saying he will "go all the way to the end."

In an interview with Dong-A Ilbo published on the 10th, Candidate Ahn addressed the "responsibility theory for the failure of unification and regime change," stating, "The size of responsibility follows the size of authority. Why should I be responsible? The responsibility lies with the major parties."

Regarding Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, saying that "unification can be completed within 10 minutes," Ahn said, "It is a very dangerous idea," adding, "It sounds like a unilateral notification and a plan centered on himself, which is worrisome." This appears to express his refusal to unify through direct negotiation between candidates.

When asked, "If the ruling and opposition parties make a concrete unification proposal, would you consider it?" Ahn replied, "The two major parties aim for regime change or regime maintenance itself. However, it is important to properly build the country afterward. If that does not happen, there will be another regime change in five years."

Ahn said, "I threw myself into creating a regime change atmosphere during the Seoul mayoral by-election, but seeing what the People Power Party is doing to me and my supporters, I cannot give my heart." He also emphasized, "I will never give up because of money."

Regarding rumors of behind-the-scenes contact between Ahn and Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, Ahn said, "How did you find out?" and added, "There is no sincerity when only an air war happens without any behind-the-scenes contact from either side. There is no place making concrete proposals. I will go all the way to the end."

Meanwhile, with the official election campaign (starting February 15) just five days away, Ahn announced to Yonhap News Agency that "contracts for Naver advertisements and campaign vehicles have been completed." Regarding the possibility of future alliances with other candidates, Ahn said, "Only if I win can we change our country's politics and overcome the crisis in the Republic of Korea," adding, "Only I can achieve national unity and create future food sources and future jobs."

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