<안측> Kim Young-woo: "Withdrawal possibility 0%... That's why Ahn Cheol-soo"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Following a clash with the Presidential Office and a halt to all schedules for a period of "catching his breath," the possibility of Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, withdrawing from the race is being highlighted. Kim Young-woo, the campaign committee chairman representing Ahn, emphasized, "There is absolutely no possibility of withdrawal."

On the 7th, Kim, appearing on CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' said, "That's why it's Ahn Cheol-soo. Until now, he hasn't emphasized 'Cheol-soo' that much, but this time he is truly fired up with determination."

Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate for the leader of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference related to the party convention at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

The frequent mention of 'Cheol-soo,' which is also Ahn's given name, stems from some viewing his past record of founding parties, leaving parties, and merging parties?actions involving concessions?as 'withdrawals.'

Kim stated, "Until now, he was mainly the leader of small parties, the so-called third or fourth parties. For regime change, unification was inevitable, and a series of political decisions followed. But now, he is coming to the ruling party, the big house, aiming to become the party leader. He is currently the most prominent candidate, so why would he suddenly drop out? That is not even a consideration in our minds."

Regarding attorney Shin Pyeong, known as President Yoon Seok-youl's mentor, who said, "If Ahn becomes party leader, there are concerns about President Yoon's lame-duck status, and he will have no choice but to leave the party and form a new one," Kim responded, "That is a very dangerous statement and something that should never be said. Talking about the president leaving the party or party splits during the party convention is, in my view, a relevant act and an insult to the president."

Ahn is scheduled to announce his metropolitan area strategy at the policy presentation event held that day. Kim said, "During today's party vision presentation, he will likely announce how to achieve a landslide victory in the metropolitan area for the general election. That is necessary to win the overall general election next year. Our campaign is solely focused on the general election."