Ahn Cheol-soo on Han Dong-hoon’s 'Imminent Return': "It's Hard to Elect Another Prosecutor-President"

"Lee Jaemyung Scores Low on Trust and Morality"

Amid increasing possibilities of an early presidential election, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, addressed former representative Han Dong-hoon, who has announced his return to politics, saying, "If you intend to continue in politics, you should plan with a longer-term perspective," adding, "It is difficult for the public to consecutively choose presidents with a background as prosecutors."

On the 19th, on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' Ahn said, "Looking at past presidential elections, the public has not consecutively elected individuals similar to former presidents." He continued, "Han's return to politics is expected around late February to early March, but since the impeachment decision has not yet been made, isn't it somewhat premature timing to come out now?"

Ahn Cheol-soo, People Power Party member. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Regarding another potential presidential candidate, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, Ahn criticized, "It seems that he has been frequently changing his stance lately," adding, "When a politician wavers in their statements, it causes severe confusion. A national leader needs to maintain the weight of their words once spoken."

Ahn pointed out, "Lee initially agreed to accept the 52-hour workweek (including exceptions for the Semiconductor Special Act) but then did not, and he said he would not provide money to all citizens (livelihood recovery support funds) but is now saying he will," calling it "a case of 'yangdu-guyuk' (literally 'displaying a sheep's head while selling dog meat')."

Regarding Lee's appearance on the YouTube channel 'Saenal' the previous day, where he said, "The Democratic Party holds a centrist conservative position, and the progressive camp needs to be newly established," Ahn said, "This is merely an attempt to expand support by appealing to centrist conservative votes," adding, "Once the election is over, they will return to their original position." He also noted, "The second trial result for Lee will come out next month, which will be a significant variable in the public's mind," and said, "The foundation of a politician is trust and morality, and Lee is likely receiving the lowest scores in these areas."