Ahn Cheol-soo: "Kim Ki-hyun Seems to Have Moon's Diplomatic Policy in Mind"

"Failure Again in General Election if Nominations Are Lined Up"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is answering questions from reporters after declaring his candidacy for party leader at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, criticized on the 13th the 'Japanese citizens' remark made by Kim Ki-hyun, his rival in the party leadership race, saying, "It seems that the Moon Jae-in administration's diplomatic stance was still in (Kim's) mind."

After attending a legislative report meeting of lawmaker Yoon Doo-hyun held in Gyeongsan City, Gyeongbuk Province, Ahn told reporters, "I wondered if (Kim) truly shares the same code as the Yoon Seok-yeol administration." He also explained that during the presidential transition committee, they mutually agreed to respond to Japan by separating economic and historical issues, differing from the Moon administration's stance.

The day before, Kim criticized the rule of the party convention that elects the party leader solely by party members' votes, saying, "It's like selecting the coach of the Korean soccer team by reflecting 30% of the opinions of Japanese citizens. Is that even possible?" This remark drew criticism from Ahn and others for "disparaging non-party members and ruling party supporters."

Ahn also criticized, "(Kim) has been speaking as if the Kim Jang Alliance represents 'Yoon's intention (Yoon-sim),' but in fact, it is 'Jang's intention (Jang-sim)' referring to lawmaker Jang Je-won's intentions." Regarding Kim's recent rise in approval ratings, he said, "People who thought it was Yoon-sim seem to be anxious about nominations and are lining up with the Kim Jang Alliance."

Ahn said, "Kim recently changed his stance from being a pro-Yoon (pro Yoon Seok-yeol) candidate to a pro-people candidate, probably because people are gradually realizing that he excessively emphasized Yoon-sim."