Ahn Cheolsoo: "I Am the Hua Tuo to Revive Our Dying Party... the Zhuge Liang to Stop Lee Jaemyung"

"I am willing to become even a 'cuckoo' for the party," Ahn emphasizes
People Power Party to announce four candidates advancing to the second primary

Ahn Cheolsoo, a lawmaker running in the People Power Party's presidential primary, appealed to party members by saying, "I, Ahn Cheolsoo, am the 'Hua Tuo' who will revive our dying party, and the 'Zhuge Liang ready to risk everything' who will defeat Lee Jaemyung." On April 22, Ahn wrote on his social media, "To stop Lee Jaemyung, both then and now, I have put everything aside." He continued, "Some people call me a 'cuckoo.' If that's how you describe a change of government, I welcome it," emphasizing, "Now, it is time for party members to make a decision. Please choose the candidate who can win."

Ahn Cheolsoo, a candidate in the People Power Party primary, is presenting his vision at the People Power Party's "21st Presidential Candidate 1st Primary Vision Conference" held on the 18th at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Previously, on the CBS radio program "Kim Hyunjung's News Show," lawmaker Na Kyungwon criticized Ahn by saying, "He did join our party, but does he agree with our party's values?" and called him "a cuckoo laying eggs in another's nest." In response, Ahn said, "Three years ago, for the sole cause of changing the government, I set aside all political interests, positions, and even my pride. Unifying with candidate Yoon Sukyeol was the biggest decision of my political career," adding, "To end the tyranny of the Moon Jaein administration and rebuild a collapsing Korea, I was even willing to throw away the image attached to my own name."

He went on to say, "The only conviction that moved me at that time was my sense of responsibility to stop Lee Jaemyung, who faces criminal charges." He continued, "As a result, the government changed, President Yoon Sukyeol was elected, and the Moon Jaein administration came to an end." In particular, Ahn stated, "I now bow my head before the people. As a key figure in the unification and as a senior member of an impeached party, I deeply reflect and apologize," and stressed, "However, now that Lee Jaemyung once again threatens the sovereignty of Korea, I can no longer remain silent. I am running with a single, determined purpose: to stop Lee Jaemyung once again."

He then asked, "Now I ask: to the other candidates running for our party's presidential nomination, what have you done for the party so far?" He pointed out, "At this moment, when the party is gasping for breath, instead of worrying about saving the party or having a strategy for victory, are you not merely hacking away at a corpse of a party and sprinkling salt on it? All I see is political calculation and personal ambition."

He presented himself as the only candidate with both the justification and the ability to defeat Lee Jaemyung. He asked, "Who can make our country an advanced nation in artificial intelligence (AI), create jobs, and drive growth?" He added, "Some people call me a 'cuckoo,' but if I can stop Lee Jaemyung, I am willing to become anything."

Meanwhile, the People Power Party will hold the first primary election on the same day using a national public opinion poll with an 'anti-reverse selection clause.' The party's presidential primary election management committee is expected to announce the four candidates advancing to the second primary around 7 p.m. From left: Yoo Jungbok, Hong Junpyo, Kim Moonsu, Ahn Cheolsoo, Yang Hyangja, Na Kyungwon, Lee Cheolwoo, Han Donghoon. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Meanwhile, on the same day, the People Power Party is holding the first primary using a national public opinion poll with an 'anti-reverse selection clause.' The party's presidential primary election management committee is expected to announce the four candidates advancing to the second primary around 7 p.m. The selection method for the second primary is a "100% national public opinion poll," with five polling agencies each surveying 800 people, for a total sample of 4,000 members of the general public, and the average is calculated. Through this, out of a total of eight candidates?Kim Moonsu, Na Kyungwon, Ahn Cheolsoo, Yang Hyangja, Yoo Jungbok, Lee Cheolwoo, Han Donghoon, and Hong Junpyo (in alphabetical order)?the four candidates who receive the most support from both party supporters and independents will advance to the second primary.