Prime Minister Post Declined by Ahn Cheol-soo... Is He Preparing to Challenge Party Leadership?

Not Immediately, But Keeping Open the Possibility of a Party Leadership Challenge in One Year
Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon: "I Think It's a Wise Choice"

Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] 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, has officially expressed his intention not to take the position of Prime Minister. On the surface, he cited 'recharging' as the reason, but it appears he will begin preparations for a bid for party leadership following the merger of the People Power Party and the People Party.

On the 30th of last month, Ahn held a meeting at the Transition Committee press conference hall in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, stating, "I have thought a lot about my future," and added, "As the chairman of the Transition Committee, after drawing a blueprint and a good direction for the next government, not directly participating in the cabinet would reduce the burden on President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol."

Instead, there remains the possibility of challenging for party leadership after the merger of the People Power Party and the People Party. Ahn said, in lieu of taking the Prime Minister position, "I believe there are many ways I can contribute to broadening the party's support base and to stabilizing the administration." This has led to interpretations that Ahn is considering becoming the 'party leader' of the unified party.

Ahn himself also hinted at the possibility of a party leadership challenge. When asked about a 'party leadership bid,' Ahn responded, "The term of Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, ends next year, but I am not thinking about that immediately," yet when asked about a 'leadership challenge next year,' he said, "One year from now is quite far. Many things will happen, and I will think about that then. Politics does not work by making long-term plans," leaving the door open.

Considering a presidential re-challenge in five years, it is interpreted that he judged it advantageous to have many 'his own people' within the party. If Ahn challenges for party leadership next year and succeeds, he will hold the nomination rights for the general election as party leader in 2024 and be able to lead the campaign.

Regarding Ahn's decision, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon said on CBS Radio's 'One Round Match,' "I think it is a wise choice," adding, "Being Prime Minister is something you use as an asset to challenge the next presidency, but it is somewhat difficult to do well as Prime Minister in this administration." He further analyzed, "If you come back to the party after finishing as Prime Minister, you won't have a support base in the party. Rather than that, it seems wiser to take the path of rooting yourself, and he is currently on that path."

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