Ahn Cheol-soo Hints at Early Presidential Election Candidacy... "Will Announce at Gwanghwamun"

After Meeting with Senior Lawmakers on the 6th, Hints at Presidential Bid
"Concern Over Abuse of Power if Lee Jaemyung Becomes President"
"Will Establish Balanced Democracy Through Constitutional Amendment"

People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo stated on the 6th, "We must win this presidential election to ensure checks and balances in democracy," leaving open the possibility of an early presidential bid. After a meeting with lawmakers serving four or more terms held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, he told reporters, "If I make a (presidential bid) declaration, it will be around midweek this week at Gwanghwamun."

Yonhap News

He explained his choice of Gwanghwamun as the location for the declaration by saying, "Gwanghwamun is a symbol of national unity," emphasizing, "From an overall perspective, Gwanghwamun is our center and must be a symbol of national unity." He also revealed plans to set up his campaign office near Yeouido.

Through Facebook, Ahn conveyed the message, "Good people are the strongest because they are upright," and expressed his political vision by stating, "What our country needs now is an honest, safe, and strong nation." He further warned of the risks if Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, becomes president, saying, "If Lee Jae-myung becomes president, he will hold two powers simultaneously, leading to an uncontrollable situation."

Regarding calls within the party for the leadership to resign, he argued, "The current leadership is managerial, so it is better for them to manage until the presidential election," advocating for the continuation of the current leadership's role. On demands for lawmaker Kim Sang-wook to leave the party, he said, "The party's Ethics Committee must conduct a precise review and the results should be followed."

Ahn also emphasized the necessity of constitutional revision, stating, "Through constitutional amendment, the powers of the imperial presidency should be reduced and the powers of the National Assembly strengthened so that balance and checks can be achieved in the democratic system." He urged presidential primary candidates to include constitutional amendment pledges in their platforms.