[Interview] Ahn Cheol-soo "1-on-1 Unification Is Difficult to Achieve... They Know Too Little About Quarantine and Science"

Compensation for Operating Losses "Partial Fixed Costs, Not Sales or Profits"
Disaster Relief Funds "Not All Given Universally. Budget Also Insufficient"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, who declared his candidacy for the Seoul mayoral by-election, is being interviewed at the People Party office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 22nd. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung and Geum Bo-ryeong] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, emphasized that "to unify the opposition for the (Seoul mayoral by-election), practical consultations must begin immediately." While leaving room for a one-on-one unification with the People Power Party candidate, he described it as "the method with the lowest chance of success." Above all, he expressed frustration that prompt discussions are necessary, but the People Power Party is not opening the door for talks. Regarding controversies over the government’s COVID-19 quarantine measures, he sharply criticized Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, saying he "knows too little about science."

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 22nd, Ahn said, "Starting in March would be too late, so I’m proposing we begin practical consultations now," adding, "Among various unification methods, the one-on-one has the lowest chance of success. If we want to increase the chances somehow and achieve unification, we must start consultations now."

He expressed willingness to compete together through an open primary of the People Power Party without joining the party, but also indicated he would accept other outcomes depending on the discussions.

Ahn said, "I came out to save the country in this election," and added, "I proposed that once practical consultations start, everything including the method can be discussed, but there has been no response yet. It seems the People Power Party itself has not unified its internal opinions."

Kim Jong-in, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, and Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, maintain the position that if Ahn does not join the party, he cannot participate in the party’s primary. Some analyses suggest that the recent decline in the People Power Party’s approval ratings is partly due to the sluggish unification talks.

Ahn said, "From our party’s perspective, it’s not a demand to join but a demand to leave. Has there ever been a case in Korean history where the leader of a legitimate party was asked to leave?" and reiterated, "Joining is out of the question."

He also said about the People Power Party, "The party should discuss together and have a consistent stance, but it doesn’t seem like they are discussing," adding, "There are senior and former mid-level politicians among the People Power Party’s incumbents, so the party leader should make a decision after synthesizing various opinions."

Ahn continued, "If they don’t want to unify, that’s one thing, but eventually they will have to discuss it. The demand from opposition supporters is very high, so I don’t know how long they can refuse to do so."

He also emphasized that he is the most suitable candidate with the highest approval ratings and potential for centrist expansion. Ahn said, "I’m the only candidate who beats ruling party candidates outside the margin of error in polls, but even I expect a close race," adding, "The Democratic Party’s power is strong, and the government will blatantly intervene, including with the ‘vaccine rollout show,’ so it will be difficult."

He added, "If we fail to expand to the center, we will lose to the Democratic Party. I believe I can play that role," and stressed, "Everyone in the opposition who shares the awareness that the Democratic Party should not continue like this must unite."

Regarding compensation for losses suffered by self-employed businesses, he said, "Some support for fixed costs such as rent should be provided." This suggests a lower threshold than compensation based on sales or profits.

Ahn said, "In advanced countries overseas, when the government orders the closure of specific industries, self-employed people who comply are supported for part of their fixed costs, not based on sales or profits. They don’t use sales as the standard," adding, "It should be a method supporting part of fixed costs; people drowning in water must be saved."

He also emphasized, "I went directly to Itaewon and met with representatives of major commercial districts, and it’s really serious. There isn’t much time left to endure."

While agreeing with the ruling party’s recognition that self-employed people’s difficulties have reached a limit, he believes realistic measures should be implemented considering fiscal burdens.

Regarding the method of giving 100,000 won to all residents like in Gyeonggi Province, he said, "It should be given to those who suffered disasters; if you give it to all residents, you shouldn’t call it disaster relief," adding, "Universal education that doesn’t charge tuition to children of chaebols is common sense, but there is also targeted support for basic livelihood security recipients. Depending on the situation, universal and selective approaches should be appropriately applied; giving to everyone universally is not right. Also, we lack fiscal resources."

Ahn recently sparked controversy by criticizing the uniform "9 p.m. business hour restriction" as if "COVID-19 were a nocturnal animal," demanding its abolition. Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun targeted Ahn, criticizing, "It is truly deplorable that some politicians exploit the anxiety of self-employed people for elections."

In response, Ahn said, "I was so frustrated that I said it," adding, "Why not 8 or 10? That standard is not scientific. In the early days of COVID-19, when there were small cluster infections, such methods were useful, but now that it’s widespread regional infection, it’s ineffective."

He continued, "Instead of doing things haphazardly, we should organize concepts like density, proximity, and enclosure scientifically and act according to the situation." Regarding Prime Minister Chung’s criticism, he said sharply, "He knows too little about science. An ignorant person who has never been to Seoul talks about how Seoul looks ? that’s exactly the case."

He added, "People are relative. When someone says something too unreasonable, I naturally respond with stronger expressions."

Ahn has been mentioned as a leading presidential candidate. He said, "Among politicians in the opposition, I’m number one in next presidential election support. Giving that up is really not easy," adding, "Even though many disappointed with the opposition might return and support me, keeping number one, I threw myself into this."

Except for Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, Ahn was effectively the most likely presidential candidate.

Ahn said, "Among those who have walked the third way without belonging to a major party, I’m said to have survived the longest in Korean political history," adding, "It’s been a series of challenges and battles every time. I’ve never had it easy or comfortable."