"Stronger Heart Than Anyone"… 'Health Controversy' Ahn Cheol-soo to Run Full Marathon Course

Challenge to Complete the Chuncheon Marathon on the 29th
Intention to Directly Overcome 'Health Controversy' Claims

People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo has declared that he will soon run a full-course marathon.

On the 19th, Ahn Cheol-soo posted a selfie on Instagram, apparently taken in Rome, Italy. Along with the photo, he wrote, "During the overseas embassy audit of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, I woke up early and ran 6.43 km." He also shared a screenshot from a smartphone application showing that he ran 6.43 km in 38 minutes and 32 seconds, burning 447 calories.

[Image source=Photo by Ahn Cheol-soo, People Power Party Instagram capture]

Subsequently, Ahn Cheol-soo’s office announced through a press release that "Ahn will participate in the full-course category of the Chuncheon Marathon, which will be held on the 29th." The Chuncheon Marathon is hosted by the Chosun Ilbo and Sports Chosun, and the eligibility to participate is for healthy men and women aged 18 and above.

The office also emphasized, "Ahn is a healthy middle-aged man who supports the Republic of Korea," adding, "Without a doubt, he has a heart that is stronger and more robust than anyone else."

This move by Ahn appears to be a direct response to the recent 'health controversy' raised by political commentator Jang Sung-chul, director of the Public Opinion Center.

On the 17th, Jang claimed on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that "Ahn had heart problems and was in a somewhat dangerous situation twice." This statement was made while analyzing former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok’s recent remark targeting Ahn, saying, "I do not deal with sick people." Jang clarified, "Lee Jun-seok was expressing that Ahn Cheol-soo’s health is not good, not that he has mental issues."

In response, Ahn Cheol-soo’s office strongly stated, "They are deceiving the public with malicious falsehoods to support Lee Jun-seok’s mockery," and warned, "If they do not correct and apologize for the false statements by today, we will take legal action." However, Jang countered by revealing new facts.

On the same day, Jang wrote on Facebook, "Please understand that I must respond as I have been threatened with legal action," adding, "On the afternoon of June 2, 2022, Ahn collapsed, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed, and he was taken by ambulance to the emergency room of Bundang Jesaeng Hospital. I am not comfortable revealing this, but if the threats continue, I will also release photos of the ambulance."

Sonsu-jo: "Ahn’s Emergency Room Visit Was Due to Overwork"

Meanwhile, on the 18th, Son Su-jo, leader of the Leaders Club and former spokesperson for Ahn’s campaign during the early-year party convention, appeared on BBS Buddhist Broadcasting’s 'Jeon Young-shin’s Morning Journal' and confirmed that while Ahn did receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation and went to the emergency room, it was due to overwork, not a heart problem.

Son said, "During the last local elections, Ahn traveled extensively for nationwide support rallies. He barely slept a few hours a day and pushed himself hard, collapsing from overwork while visiting election victory celebrations on June 2." Regarding the CPR, she explained, "People nearby were shocked and performed it, but he woke up with no issues afterward," criticizing, "The health rumors are meant to tarnish his reputation."

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