Ahn Cheol-soo: "If Emergency Martial Law Had Been Voted On, I Would Have Supported It... Many People Power Party Lawmakers Share This View"

"We Must Also Prepare a Plan B for the People Power Party"
"Preparing for an Early Presidential Election"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, said on the 19th regarding the December 3 emergency martial law, "If I had participated in the vote, I would have cast a favorable vote," adding, "From what many people say, there are many ruling party lawmakers who think the same way."

In an interview with SBS Radio on the same day, Ahn referred to remarks made by Kwon Young-se, the emergency response committee chairman of the People Power Party, at the Kwanhun Forum on the 17th, pointing out, "If what you say is true, it could be perceived as a party that supports martial law." Earlier, Chairman Kwon responded to the question, "You did not participate in the vote on the resolution demanding the lifting of martial law on the day it was declared. If you were back on the scene, would you vote?" by saying, "Even if I had been at the National Assembly at the time, I would not have participated."

Yonhap News

Regarding the taboo within the party on discussing an early presidential election in preparation for the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-youl, Ahn expressed concern. He said, "Impeachment may or may not happen," and added, "It is the party's duty to prepare both Plan A and Plan B." He continued, "Even large organizations and corporations prepare contingency plans because things may not go as planned, and political parties and politics are no different."

When asked if he is preparing for an early presidential election, Ahn replied, "Yes," and said, "I need to prepare Plan B in my own way through the work I am doing." He said, "Isn't this a crucial time that will determine whether the Republic of Korea advances or declines?" and added, "There is no moral problem, and having served as the chairman of the presidential transition committee and written the transition report, I can start presidential duties even without a transition committee."