Ahn Cheol-soo: "Not Joining the Cabinet Will Ease Yoon's Burden"

Official Declaration of "Will Not Take" the 'Prime Minister Speculation'

Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the 20th Presidential Transition Committee, is holding a press conference on the 30th at the briefing room of the Transition Committee in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Transition Committee Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong, Lee Gimin] Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee and considered the 'top candidate' for the first Prime Minister under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, officially declared on the 30th that he will not take the Prime Minister position. Accordingly, the selection of the next government’s Prime Minister is expected to accelerate.

On the same day, Chairman Ahn held a briefing at the Transition Committee press conference hall in Tongui-dong, Seoul, stating, "I have given much thought to my position," and added, "After drawing a blueprint and a good direction for the next government as the chairman of the Transition Committee, not directly participating in the cabinet would relieve (President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol) of some burden." He continued, "In keeping with the public promise of a joint government, I plan to actively recommend qualified, clean, and capable individuals as ministerial candidates," and said, "Personally, I thought it might be better to open a space where the President-elect can fully express his intentions regarding the Prime Minister selection."

It was confirmed that Chairman Ahn conveyed this intention after requesting a meeting with President-elect Yoon the day before. Chairman Ahn explained, "I thought it would be better to express my intention first before asking, as it seemed President-elect Yoon was still considering." During the private meeting with President-elect Yoon, he did not mention or recommend any specific candidate.

When asked about "President-elect Yoon’s reaction," Chairman Ahn replied, "He said he understood, and I could see him contemplating anew."

Since Chairman Ahn announced he will not take the Prime Minister position, the selection of the next government’s Prime Minister has been expedited. Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the President-elect, stated on the same day, "The Prime Minister selection is gaining momentum," adding, "The deadline is early April, and the narrowing-down process is underway."

Chairman Ahn plans to lead the Transition Committee until just before President-elect Yoon’s inauguration (May 10) and then take some time for 'recharging.' Having participated in the Seoul mayoral by-election and the presidential election over the past year, he feels a rest is necessary. Chairman Ahn also said he has no plans to run in the local elections, stating, "I have come to think that some recharging time is needed to focus more on the country and the people."

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