"This behavior to become Prime Minister... Will you run for President?"
"If you want to do politics again, appear on a variety show"
"Possibility of political comeback... Delusional fantasy"
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, stated on the 7th that there is no possibility of his return to politics amid speculation surrounding him.
On the afternoon of the same day, Yoo addressed claims that his hosting of the foundation's YouTube broadcast 'Alileo Live' was a signal for his political comeback, calling such ideas "delusions" and "fantasies."
He continued, "If I really wanted to return to politics, I would do it like Ahn Cheol-soo. Appearing on entertainment programs like 'Knee Doctor,' 'Alssul Sinjab,' and 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator,' subtly showing my human side, sharing stories that everyone would like, gaining popularity, and then announcing my candidacy with a desire to serve. That is the correct approach in practical politics."
He added, "Some interpret that I am doing everything for a political comeback, but I am not that foolish. Since I have served as a minister, if I had nothing else to do and wanted to return, I would have to run for prime minister or president. Would I do this to become prime minister or run for president?" He reiterated his clear stance against returning to politics.
On the same day, Yoo said he would operate 'Alileo' only during his term as chairman. Yoo emphasized, "I have returned to knowledge distribution after quitting politics. There are only 1 year and 10 months left in my term as chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation. After 1 year and 10 months, when I hand over the chairmanship, I will stop doing things like 'Alileo'."
Yoo had previously stated that he would not engage in practical politics. At a press conference held on April 23 last year at the foundation office in Sinsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Yoo said, "Even if I say I will not return to politics, if people do not believe me, there is nothing I can do with words. I think such statements are their hopes, but I decide my own life."
Regarding criticism that voicing opinions on various political issues through 'Alileo' is practically political activity, he said, "If politics is seen as individual or collective activities aimed at influencing the functions and operations of state power, then 'Alileo' is indeed political."
However, Yoo emphasized, "But politics as a profession is a slightly different matter. I will not attempt to directly seize state power and change its functions and operations. Saying I will not do politics means I will not do that. I want to part my hair that way," he said.
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