'Yoon An Solidarity' Aftermath... Ahn Suspends Afternoon Schedule on 6th
Ahn, Experienced Several Periods of Low Profile Since Entering Politics
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Ahn Cheol-soo, a presidential candidate of the People Power Party, has temporarily suspended his public schedule, bringing renewed attention to his past instances of disappearance. During his 11 years in politics, Ahn has repeatedly gone into hiding or seclusion, and his evasive behavior has been a subject of controversy.
On the afternoon of the 6th, Ahn temporarily halted his public schedule. His office announced that "some of Ahn's schedules have been postponed to assess the situation and plan political strategies." As a result, except for pre-recorded broadcast appearances, all other events, including free meal service volunteering, were canceled.
Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate for the People Power Party leadership, is holding a press conference related to the party convention at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
Ahn's sudden suspension of his schedule is due to conflicts with the Presidential Office. Earlier, the Presidential Office raised issues with Ahn's use of the term 'Yoon-Ahn (Yoon Seok-yeol and Ahn Cheol-soo) alliance.' The Presidential Office criticized Ahn, calling him an 'enemy' and saying he 'crossed the line.' Ahn responded by accusing the Presidential Office of 'interfering in the election,' but ultimately decided to pause his schedule temporarily.
Throughout his more than 10 years in politics, Ahn has frequently faced criticism for going into temporary disappearance or seclusion. His first disappearance was on November 23, 2012, after failing to reconcile differences with then Democratic United Party candidate Moon Jae-in and withdrawing mid-campaign. Ahn declared his support for Moon only on December 6, about two weeks before the presidential election.
Many viewed Ahn's series of actions after withdrawing from the presidential race as inappropriate. According to the '18th Presidential Election Evaluation Report' by the Democratic United Party's Presidential Election Evaluation Committee (Chairman Han Sang-jin), "The rates of agreement regarding Ahn's sudden withdrawal, two-week disappearance, unusual support campaign for Moon Jae-in, and departure to the U.S. on election day were only 43.0%, 39.9%, 47.5%, and 43.4%, respectively, even among Ahn Cheol-soo supporters."
Subsequently, there were other instances such as ▲a week-long disappearance before leaving the New Politics Alliance for Democracy on December 13, 2015 ▲retreating from frontline politics after the June 13, 2018 local election defeat and going into seclusion overseas for about a year ▲and a one-day absence on April 14, 2022, due to conflicts over cabinet appointments within the Presidential Transition Committee.
Especially during the 2018 disappearance, Ahn's 'flight' stirred controversy. In August of that year, a reporter from a media outlet captured Ahn seemingly fleeing via a building's emergency staircase. Although Ahn had announced he would leave for Germany taking responsibility for the election defeat, it was revealed he had remained in Korea, causing a stir. Later, Ahn explained in an interview with a media outlet that he was "studying German in an empty office."
Politicians often express dissatisfaction over emerging issues or choose disappearance amid discouragement from election losses. While it may serve as a form of respite for the politician, it can give the public the impression of avoidance.
Political disappearance can also amplify dramatic effects. On November 29, 2021, former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok suddenly disappeared amid conflicts with then presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol over the party's election committee appointments and composition ahead of the 20th presidential election. However, four days later, they held a dinner meeting in Ulsan and reconciled dramatically. The resolution of internal strife helped quell concerns within the party and criticism of 'Yoon Seok-yeol's leadership.'
Meanwhile, Ahn is expected to participate in the People Power Party's vision presentation scheduled for the 7th. The party's March 8th election management committee will conduct the vision presentation, followed by a public opinion poll targeting 6,000 responsible party members on the 8th and 9th. The committee will announce the final candidates advancing to the main election on the 10th, including four party leader candidates, eight supreme council member candidates, and four youth supreme council member candidates.
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