"Is the program canceled?" Ahn Cheol-soo received a cancellation notice for 'Wakanam' two days before filming

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, expressed regret after revealing that his scheduled appearance on a variety show was abruptly canceled two days before filming.

On the 28th, Candidate Ahn disclosed via social media (SNS) that his scheduled appearance on a variety show had been canceled. He stated, "I gladly accepted the invitation to appear on a variety show from a certain broadcasting company," and added, "Preparations were underway aiming for Saturday filming. On Wednesday, the writers came to my house for an interview, and on Friday evening, we finalized location arrangements for camera setup." He continued, "However, on Thursday night, we suddenly received a unilateral cancellation notice," explaining, "It was a program where other candidates had already filmed and been broadcast, but the program itself was canceled, so filming could not proceed."

Candidate Ahn said, "I understand that the selection of presidential candidates for appearances is carefully decided by broadcasting companies," and added, "I have never heard of a regular program being abruptly canceled the day before, nor of a scheduled and promised filming being canceled without completion."

He stated, "Since declaring my presidential candidacy, I have been traveling nationwide without a moment’s rest to share the country’s future vision and policies," and noted, "On Saturday, I had eight campaign events scheduled, but the broadcasting company said filming would require the entire day, so I sought understanding from all and reluctantly canceled those events."

Candidate Ahn shared, "I want to express my regret, believing that no one, including myself, should be subjected to such unfair treatment," and pledged, "No matter the difficulties, I will focus solely on the people and do my best with a sincere heart."

According to the People’s Party, the program that abruptly canceled Candidate Ahn’s schedule was TV Chosun’s Wakanam. A party official said, "The People’s Party staff were devastated by this incident," and added, "Candidate Ahn had struggled to persuade his wife to appear and had decided to participate, but was unilaterally notified of the cancellation late at night." The official conveyed the internal atmosphere, saying, "There was talk of silent pressure, and this incident was the worst," and "Candidate Ahn was also upset."