Ahn Cheol-soo: "If Han Dong-hoon Wants to Be Campaign Committee Chair, He Must Resign as Minister by October"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate who claimed at the People Power Party's leadership election that he would appoint Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon as the head of the election campaign committee for next year's general election, raised his voice saying, "With the right timing and justification, he can definitely become the head of the campaign committee." Other party leader candidates opposed this.

On the 16th, Ahn said on CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "The president was also a former prosecutor general, and yet he became president after running as a presidential candidate," expressing this view.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He was the only one to answer 'O' in the 'OX debate' during the TV debate the day before, indicating he would recruit Minister Han as the head of the campaign committee. Other candidates expressed concerns that it could give the opposition party grounds for attack.

Ahn said, "I think that was a somewhat short-sighted thought. With the right timing and justification, it is definitely possible. Everyone only thinks 'he will become the head of the campaign committee immediately after leaving the ministerial post,' which is a narrow perspective, and I think that is why they gave such an answer," adding, "Looking at Minister Han's various activities, he handles matters decisively and gives a favorable impression to the public."

He estimated that at least 3 to 6 months would be needed to step down from the ministerial position and prepare for the general election. He said, "It depends on various circumstances, but I think about 3 to 6 months are necessary." When asked by the host whether Minister Han should resign around October and take a break, he also answered, "Yes." However, Minister Han has already drawn a line regarding political entry. Nevertheless, Ahn emphasized, "Ultimately, everything depends on his own decision and the president's judgment."

Ahn also attracted attention with his statement during the TV debate the day before that "If I become party leader, I will step down after the general election." He said, "I wanted to express that all my sincerity lies in regime change," adding, "If I become party leader this time, it is not with the intention of using this position to run for president, and I believe the public could understand that."

His rival candidate Kim Ki-hyun also added that he lacks recognition in the metropolitan area. Ahn said, "Winning in the metropolitan area is important in next year's general election, and to get even one more person elected there, you need to have recognition first," adding, "If you campaign and people say, 'Who is that person?' it would be problematic. But everyone knows that Candidate Kim lacks such recognition."

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