An Min-seok: "Lee Jae-myung should do like Moon... Take party leadership and run in Jongno after 2 years"

An Min-seok to Lee Jae-myung: "Party leadership in August - Jongno candidacy in 2 years - Next presidential bid"
"The spirit of the times favors a decisive leader over a gentle scholar type"

Ahn Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said that it would be good for Lee Jae-myung, the party's senior advisor, to challenge the party leadership in August, run for the National Assembly seat in Jongno District two years later, and then aim for the next presidential election.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Ahn Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said about Lee Jae-myung, the party's senior advisor, "Between party leadership and the presidency, in two years, if this advisor runs for Jongno, it seems that the politician Lee Jae-myung will grow bigger and go through a path of maturing as a national leader demanded by public expectations."

In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the morning of the 28th, Ahn said, "As an advisor without experience in Yeouido, there is a strong demand for a challenge to the party leadership, and naturally it will lead to the presidency afterward."

Regarding the early debut theory surrounding the advisor, Ahn responded, "We should consider this excellent politician as a political asset and not use him as kindling. Therefore, the idea that Lee Jae-myung should make an early debut immediately is neither realistic nor something I agree with at all." He added, "We need to pay attention to the learning effect from President Moon Jae-in. President Moon lost the presidential election, then took party leadership and went on to the presidency," and predicted, "Especially as an advisor without experience in Yeouido, there will be a strong demand for a challenge to the party leadership."

He added, "Rather than the early debut theory in May, I am advising to serve quietly in the local elections," and said, "The most appropriate role is to dedicate oneself by serving quietly, contributing to the local elections, helping many candidates, and achieving results."

Ahn, who recently announced his candidacy for Gyeonggi Province governor, said, "In the floor leader election, I chose Park Hong-geun, who has strong determination, rather than a kind scholar-type candidate. This is what I call the spirit of the times," and claimed, "We must protect Gyeonggi Province to protect this advisor and President Moon. Ahn Min-seok is the right person to demonstrate the spirit of the times."

He also evaluated Cho Jung-sik, who is scheduled to announce his candidacy for governor of Gyeonggi Province that day, and Kim Dong-yeon, the leader of the New Wave party who is rumored to run, as having "kind scholar-type leadership." Ahn added, "After listening to the public sentiment in Gyeonggi Province while driving a taxi, it seems that at this time, people are looking for a strong tiger rather than a gentle rabbit."

Regarding Kim Dong-yeon in particular, Ahn said, "Whether in Seoul, Gyeonggi, or Chungbuk, he needs to decide quickly. Indecision by politicians harms the people," and warned, "Kim's competitiveness looks like a morning mist. Does the spirit of the times to protect Gyeonggi Province really match Kim Dong-yeon? Will Kim Dong-yeon try to protect Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung with his whole body? Is Kim Dong-yeon a loyal and courageous person? I will ask the people of Gyeonggi Province. When the morning mist clears, it will become an illusion."