Ahn Cheol-soo Resumes Campaigning After Four Days with Medical Volunteer Work at Jung-gu Health Center

Wife Kim Mi-kyung Accompanies Seoul National University Professor

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, resumed his election campaign on the 19th by volunteering for COVID-19 medical services alongside his wife, Professor Kim Mi-kyung of Seoul National University.

This came just four days after the nationwide suspension of election activities following a fatal accident involving a campaign bus in Cheonan, Chungnam, on the first official day of campaigning, the 15th of this month.

On the morning of the 19th, Candidate Ahn and Professor Kim volunteered for about an hour at the COVID-19 testing site at Jung-gu Public Health Center in Seoul, collecting specimens. Jung-gu Public Health Center is where Professor Kim has been volunteering every weekend since July last year. She was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 on the 13th but was discharged the day before.

Candidate Ahn was seen carefully assisting his wife by checking her protective gear, showing special care for her.

Immediately after her discharge, Professor Kim reportedly expressed to Candidate Ahn her desire to contribute even a little to the people struggling with the rapidly spreading Omicron variant and decided to return to medical volunteering right away.

At Jung-gu Public Health Center, Candidate Ahn told reporters, "Many people are suffering greatly due to the recent spread of Omicron. Especially, medical staff are struggling due to shortages, so we wanted to offer even a small help by coming here together." He added, "I hope many citizens unite to overcome this critical moment. I will also be with them." However, he did not comment on election-related issues such as opposition candidate unification.

Following the completion of funeral procedures related to the 'campaign bus fatal accident,' the leadership of the People’s Party also resumed election activities simultaneously.

Floor leader Kwon Eun-hee greeted hikers at Jeungsimsa Temple in Dong-gu, Gwangju, in the afternoon and then moved to Jangdeung-dong Samgeori in Buk-gu, Gwangju, to greet visitors. Considering that the campaign buses nationwide, which numbered 18, can no longer be used due to the accident, the People’s Party leadership is expected to discuss next week’s campaign strategy.

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