Ahn Cheol-soo: "Equality Before the Law, No Exceptions Even for the President... No Plans to Run in Early Presidential Election"

"The Ruling Party Must Regain an Image of Innovation, Reconstruction, and Competence"

As the possibility of an early presidential election is determined by the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial result for President Yoon Suk-yeol, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, stated that he has "not yet considered" running in an early election.

On the 2nd, Ahn said on KBS 1 Radio's 'Jeonggyeok Sisa,' "Since the Constitutional Court's ruling has not yet been issued, the decision on whether there will be an early presidential election this year has not been finalized," adding, "What we need to do now is minimize the government vacuum and overcome the national crisis."

He said, "Rather than worrying about an early election now, we should focus on solving problems such as the medical crisis and creating future growth engines in the AI era," and added, "It is essential to have not just a lawyer but a doctor and IT expert." He continued, "What worries me most is the reality that the ruling party is still perceived as a martial law-supporting party and far-right party," and said, "I will devote all my efforts to restoring the People Power Party's image of innovation, reconstruction, and competence."

Ahn Cheol-soo, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the possibility of a clash between the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the Presidential Security Service if an arrest warrant for President Yoon is executed, he said, "What matters most is how President Yoon decides." Ahn expressed concern, saying, "Since there are many supporters in front of the presidential residence, it will be very difficult for the relatively small number of Corruption Investigation Office agents to enter," and added, "If left as is, the execution of the arrest warrant may not proceed smoothly."

He then urged President Yoon, saying, "Did you not say you would not avoid it legally or politically?" and "Although you are under suspension, carry out your duties confidently as the head of state." Ahn stated, "All citizens are equal before the law, and the president is no exception," and added, "It is desirable to accept the court's decision and fight through legal reasoning."