Ahn Cheol-soo Officially Declares 'Party Leadership Challenge'... "I Will Not Refuse Any Role"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is attending the discussion forum "From Crisis to Future, Civil-Military-Political Discussion: Directions for Pension Reform for the Youth Generation" held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, officially declared his intention to run for party leadership, saying he "would not refuse the role" when asked about his candidacy.

On the morning of the 9th, after holding a forum at the National Assembly and meeting with reporters, Ahn said, "I don't know when the party convention will be held, but if it starts, this is how I will respond."

Considered one of the next party leadership candidates, Ahn has been consolidating support through various public-private-government forums. On this day, he held the fourth public-private-government forum under the theme of "Pension Reform Directions for the Youth Generation."

Ahn said, "The People Power Party must be reborn as a practical party by uniting centrists and conservatives," adding, "I have said that the party must be one that warmly embraces the socially vulnerable to establish itself as a mass party. If there is a role for me to play in doing that, I will not refuse that role."

Having kept some distance from party affairs, Ahn also spoke about issues related to Representative Lee Jun-seok. Ahn said, "Representative Lee is a valuable asset to the party," and added, "If the lawsuit continues, there is a risk that even those nearby will fall away. It is time to stop now."

Regarding voices within the party calling for the resignation of 'Yunhaekgwan (Yoon Seok-youl's core associates),' Ahn pointed out, "The term 'Yunhaekgwan' itself was coined by Representative Lee, but it is being used as a term that divides the party internally," and said, "I hope such terms will no longer be used in the future."

On the timing of the party convention, he said, "Some say September, some say November, and then January (is also mentioned)," adding, "There seem to be about three possible paths, but it is right that party members and various stakeholders gather and naturally decide through a public discussion process."