'Marathoner' Ahn Cheol-soo: "Heart Abnormality? False Information"

Apology Demanded from Political Commentator Jang Seong-cheol
Jang "If Threatened, Will Release Ambulance Photos"

On the 17th, the office of Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party who has been engaged in a daily war of nerves with former party leader Lee Jun-seok, urged political commentator Jang Sung-chul, head of the Public Opinion Center, to apologize. They claimed that Jang spread false information to defend Lee.

In a statement released that day, Ahn's office said, "Today, Jang falsely claimed through a certain media outlet that 'Ahn had two dangerous incidents due to heart problems.' We hereby correct this misinformation."

People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo is holding a press conference urging the expulsion of former leader Lee Jun-seok at the National Assembly on the 16th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier, in a CBS radio interview, Jang commented on Lee's remark targeting Ahn, who was conducting a signature campaign for Lee's expulsion disciplinary action, saying, "I do not deal with sick people," stating, "Lee did not intend to mock or attack Ahn. In fact, Ahn does have some health issues."

At the time, Jang asserted, "Ahn had heart problems that caused two somewhat dangerous situations," and added, "This was an expression of poor health, not an insinuation that Ahn has mental problems."

Jang Seong-cheol, Director of the Public Opinion Center. [Photo by YouTube screen capture]

In response, Ahn's office rebutted, "Ahn does not have any underlying diseases or other illnesses. He has a strong heart capable of completing a marathon," and added, "Nevertheless, Jang fabricated specific false information."

They further stated, "Jang is deceiving the public with malicious falsehoods to defend Lee Jun-seok's sarcasm directed at Ahn," emphasizing, "If he does not correct and apologize for his false statements by today, we will take legal action."

In turn, Jang countered on Facebook, "I have no ill will toward Ahn, but if the threats against me continue, I will disclose the ambulance photos." He continued, "Please understand that I have no choice but to respond as I am being threatened with legal action," and added, "On the afternoon of June 2, 2022, Ahn collapsed, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, and he was transported by ambulance to the emergency room of Bundang Jesaeng Hospital. It is not easy for me to reveal this."

Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok is shedding tears during a press conference on current issues at the National Assembly on the 16th.
Photo by Yonhap News

Jang apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing controversy. I am even more sorry for upsetting the feelings of the respected Ahn."

Jang, a former aide to ex-lawmaker Kim Moo-sung, has recently appeared in videos on the YouTube channel ‘Yeouido Reconstruction Union,’ led by former leader Lee.

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