Criticism of Sohn Hak-kyu as "Words Seeking Attention"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, criticized on the 9th the 'Sewol Ferry slander controversy' involving Cha Myung-jin, the United Future Party candidate (Gyeonggi Bucheon-byeong), saying, “The main opposition party should properly check the government and ruling party, but I am really disappointed to see them trying to run an election with slander.”
On the same day, Ahn said on KBS Radio’s ‘Kim Kyung-rae’s Strongest Current Affairs,’ “At times like this, the People’s Party must stand properly and check the government and ruling party. This is what I am reminded of once again,” expressing his view.
Regarding the repeated slander in the political sphere, he said, “At the core is the logic of factionalism. Our side is always right, and the opposing side is always wrong. This is actually the same for the Democratic Party,” and pointed out, “Because the two major parties have been fighting for a long time, a political culture has spread where they try to insult and bring down only the opponent in front of them at all costs.”
He added, “Strong measures must be taken to eradicate slander in politics that disappoints the people and wounds their hearts from the political culture of our Republic of Korea.”
Regarding criticism from Sohn Hak-kyu, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Minsaeng Party, who said he is “denying parliamentary democracy,” Ahn sharply responded, “I understand that comment as a way to seek attention.”
On the election outlook, Ahn said, “The grassroots public opinion I feel while touring the field differs from the current opinion polls,” and “If the people recognize our sincerity, we will become the number one party in proportional representation voting.”
Ahn said, “I experienced this four years ago as well; centrist supporters and the non-affiliated watch until the last moment and then make their judgment,” and added, “We will strive to properly convey our sincerity.”
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