Ahn Cheol-soo "Strongly Opposes Han Dong-hoon’s Presidential Run"... What Is the Reason?

"Han Received the Most Favors Under the Yoon Administration"

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party who officially declared his candidacy for the 'June 3 presidential election,' stated on the 11th, "I strongly oppose Han Dong-hoon’s presidential bid."

At a Daegu-Gyeongbuk policy announcement held in the third-floor meeting room of the Daegu City Council on the same day, Ahn said, "Han, who served as Minister of Justice under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, is the person who has received the most favors." He also pointed out, "During Han’s tenure, the People Power Party suffered its worst defeat in history in the general election. Like former President Yoon, Han is a former prosecutor with little political experience. Although he tries to differentiate himself, as shown in the polls, he ranks lowest in a one-on-one race against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s (preliminary) candidate."

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, officially declared his candidacy for the June 3 presidential election. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Regarding the 'presidential candidacy theory' of Han Duck-soo, the acting president and prime minister, Ahn drew a line, saying, "I think it is physically and historically difficult." He added, "Even during the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn only managed election administration." Concerning Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, he said, "If a candidate attacked by the Myungtaegyun risk advances to the general election, it will be difficult for our party to win," and stressed, "Both need to clearly explain the allegations raised by the media." He further added, "I believe former President Yoon’s involvement in this election through influence exerted from his private residence will not work at all."

Ahn also explained why he should be the presidential candidate himself. He emphasized, "As the saying goes, 'extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures,' in such an emergency, we must find a candidate who can win. I surpass Lee Jae-myung (preliminary) in terms of morality and am an expert who can develop the artificial intelligence industry and resolve the medical crisis. Before entering politics, I practiced noblesse oblige by donating half of my wealth." He declared, "In a rapidly changing world, a lawyer who deals with the past cannot lead the country. The leading figures who deal with the future are scientists and managers, and I have experienced both. If selected as the People Power Party candidate, I will defeat Lee Jae-myung and achieve Korea’s leap forward."

Regarding the People Power Party’s presidential candidate selection method announced the day before, Ahn said, "A farmer does not blame the field. Since it was officially announced, it cannot be overturned," and added, "I will do my best in my own way." He appealed, "In the 2022 presidential election, I believed Lee Jae-myung should never become president, so I made the decision to unify the candidates and achieved regime change. My feelings have not changed. Please give me the opportunity to resolve this myself."

As a pledge for the development of Daegu and Gyeongbuk, Ahn proposed creating an offshore wind power and hydrogen industry hub near Yeongdeok and Uljin, and establishing a bio-healthcare complex in Andong and Gyeongsan.