Ahn Cheol-soo: "If It Can Ease Public Anxiety, I Will Take the AstraZeneca Vaccine First"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party and a candidate for Seoul mayor, stated on the 22nd that he is willing to voluntarily receive the COVID-19 vaccine produced by AstraZeneca if it helps alleviate public anxiety.

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

At the People’s Party Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Ahn said, "I am not among the first group to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, but vaccination for herd immunity must proceed urgently without delay. If it is to ease distrust and anxiety about AstraZeneca, and if the government permits, I am willing as a politician and as a medical professional to be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine first."

With COVID-19 vaccinations scheduled for this week, if it can help reduce public distrust of the vaccine, Ahn could serve as an example by receiving the vaccine under the cooperation of health authorities.

Kwon Eun-hee, floor leader of the People’s Party, explained to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, "Regarding safety, Ahn analyzed the situation and judged that the safety level is similar to side effects of the flu vaccine. Considering ways to reduce public burden and fear, he mentioned being the first recipient to help ease public anxiety."

Ahn also expressed his determination that the Moon Jae-in administration will no longer be a blessing for the opposition. In a public statement at the Supreme Council meeting, he said, "As a responsible politician in the opposition, the hardest thing to hear was the phrase ‘This administration may be bad at many things, but it is a blessing for the opposition.’ I will honor the people’s wish for change and innovation and their demand to revive Korea through regime change by ensuring the unification of opposition candidates." He added, "Only by judging the ruling party through the April 7 by-elections, the presidential election, local elections, and general elections will true regime change be achieved."