Jin Joong-kwon: "Ahn's Refusal of Prime Minister Position, a Wise Choice... Difficult to Succeed in This Administration"

"Yoon's Approval Rating Is Too Low Now... Need for Regime Stabilization"

Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon praised Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the presidential transition committee, for his decision to decline the position of prime minister in the next government, calling it a "wise choice."

On the 30th, Jin appeared on CBS Radio's 'Hanpanseungbu' and said, "Taking on the role of prime minister is about using that experience as an asset to challenge for the presidency in the next election, but it would be difficult to do well in this administration," expressing his view.

On the same day, Chairman Ahn stated at a briefing in the transition committee press room in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, "I thought it would be better to open up space for President-elect Yoon Seok-youl to carry out his intentions," and added, "After drawing the blueprint for the new government, I think not joining the cabinet would relieve some burden." This effectively conveyed his intention not to take a key position in the next government.

Regarding this, Jin explained, "At first, expectations for the government are high, but after about a year, the general public feels like cutting off the finger that voted for it," adding, "This has generally been the case regardless of the party. If Chairman Ahn works as prime minister and then returns to the party, he will have no support base within the party."

Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, is speaking at the 5th Emergency COVID-19 Response Special Committee meeting held on the afternoon of the 30th at the 20th Presidential Transition Committee's main conference room in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

Additionally, Jin asserted that Chairman Ahn currently holds significant importance within the People Power Party. He said, "If Chairman Ahn had not unified the candidates in this presidential election, the election would have been difficult," and emphasized, "The current president-elect's approval rating is very low because he took a hardline conservative stance during the election. With the centrist voters all gone, the existence of Ahn Cheol-soo will be considered important to stabilize the administration."

Meanwhile, Chairman Ahn announced at the briefing that he would take some time to recharge after the transition committee's work ends. In response to reporters' questions about whether he plans to run in local elections, he said, "No. From the Seoul mayoral election to the presidential election and the transition committee, I have had a superhuman schedule," and added, "I thought I needed time to recharge in order to focus on serving the people."

However, he hinted at the possibility of challenging for the leadership of the People Power Party in the future. He said, "Since Representative Lee Jun-seok's term lasts until next year, I am not thinking about that (leadership challenge) right now," but added, "I am thinking about what would be good to do in the future, and I believe I can publicly commit to efforts to broaden the party's support base and stabilize the administration."

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