Ahn Cheol-soo Announces Candidacy for Bundang-gap... "Yoon Seok-yeol Encouraged Me" (Comprehensive)

"Leadership Change in Bundang, Seongnam, and Gyeonggi Absolutely Necessary"
"First Election Running with Number 2 in Political Career"
Indirect Criticism of Lee Jae-myung Declaring Candidacy in Gyeyang-eul
"Going to a Safe Place Without Ties Is a Betrayal of Residents"
Promises of Reconstruction, Transportation Network Expansion, and Job Creation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, officially declared on the 8th that he will run as the People Power Party candidate in the June by-election for Bundang-gap, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

On the same day, Chairman Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, “The residents of Bundang and Seongnam are the actual economic victims of the legal and moral corruption of the former mayor and governor, and they live with painful disgrace.” He added, “To change this, it is absolutely necessary to replace the leadership of Bundang, Seongnam, and Gyeonggi Province.” He then officially announced his candidacy, saying, “Not only Bundang but also through victories in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, and the metropolitan area, I will dedicate myself with a spirit of putting the country first to lay the cornerstone for the success of the new government.”

He also mentioned the necessity of changing local power. He said, “This local election and by-election are very important opportunities to create momentum for change and innovation so that the new government can work,” adding, “Following the regime change, local power must also be replaced so that the central and local governments can move forward as one toward a new future.” He emphasized, “I will work in harmony with the new president, the new governor of Gyeonggi Province, and the new mayor of Seongnam to deliver the best results to the residents of Bundang and Pangyo.”

When reporters asked what he discussed with President-elect Yoon Seok-youl afterward, he briefly replied, “He encouraged me.” Regarding the request to run in Incheon Gyeyang-eul, he explained, “President-elect Yoon is concerned about the entire Gyeonggi Province election, and I think it is important to contribute to the Gyeonggi Province election.”

He said, “This is the first time in my political career that I am running as a ruling party candidate with the number 2 on the ballot,” and added, “I will definitely win to restore the pride of the residents of Bundang and the people of Gyeonggi Province and develop the region.” It is predicted that Chairman Ahn will use the by-election as a stepping stone to enter the National Assembly, build a base within the party, and then aim for the next presidential election.

On the same day, he indirectly criticized Lee Jae-myung, senior advisor of the Democratic Party, who announced his candidacy for the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election. Chairman Ahn said, “Avoiding the judgment of the residents and citizens by going to a safe place with no ties is a tragic betrayal of the residents and the height of irresponsibility in politics,” adding, “Forces that focus on feeding their own side instead of the residents’ interests, do not do what they are supposed to, commit acts they should not, and then run away must be judged.” He continued, “Bundang-gap is my second hometown. I am the best candidate to expand and leap forward the future value of Bundang by utilizing the infrastructure and talent that our region (Bundang) possesses.”

Regarding leaving Nowon-byeong, his former constituency, he said, “When I first ran for Nowon-byeong, I said I would not leave even if I quit being a member of the National Assembly,” and added, “I feel very regretful to leave with the intention of playing my role for the development of a new region.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also presented development plans for Bundang. He said, “I will properly promote large-scale maintenance projects such as increasing floor area ratio and remodeling to enhance the value of Bundang, the first-generation new town,” adding, “I am confident that the project must be in the way the residents want for stable housing and urban development.” He promised to expand transportation networks and create jobs. Chairman Ahn said, “Since Kim Eun-hye, the People Power Party candidate for governor of Gyeonggi Province, was a member of the National Assembly for Bundang-gap, I think there will be many opportunities to meet and seek advice to properly understand the issues,” and expressed expectations for synergy effects with candidate Kim, saying, “It will raise the overall atmosphere of Gyeonggi Province.”

He also referred to the 15 policy tasks for the Gyeonggi region announced at the regional balanced development national report meeting on the 6th, adding, “To create a fair, autonomous, and hopeful Gyeonggi Province and Seongnam, I will realize three major promises: genuine region-led balanced development, strengthening the foundation for innovative growth, and maximizing regional characteristics.”

Chairman Ahn emphasized, “I will not be a member of the National Assembly who only points fingers but a local worker who, together with the new mayor, governor, and president, takes the lead in raising issues for the residents and solves problems with strong driving force to produce the results the residents want.”

Immediately after the press conference, Chairman Ahn visited the site preparing for the presidential inauguration ceremony held in front of the National Assembly on the 10th and encouraged those involved, including Lee Do-hoon, the general director of the presidential inauguration ceremony.

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