Ahn Cheolsoo: "Legal Candidates Who Read Speeches Written by Aides Are Obstacles in the AI Era"

Ahn Cheolsoo Criticizes "Legal Professional Candidates" as Obstacles in the Era of AI Technological Supremacy
Stresses the Need for Science and Technology Leadership for Korea's Future

Ahn Cheolsoo, a preliminary candidate in the People Power Party's presidential primary, criticized, "We can no longer entrust the country to lawyers who only look to the past," adding, "A legal professional candidate who simply reads speeches written by aides is an obstacle in the era of AI technological supremacy." On the 25th, Ahn wrote on social media, "Today at 2 p.m., I will hold a debate with Lee Junseok, the (Reform New Party presidential) candidate, titled 'Danbi Talk for Opening the Future - Discussing Korea's Future in the Era of AI Technological Supremacy.' The event was arranged through a sudden agreement between two candidates with science and engineering backgrounds, thanks to our shared belief that Korea, whose growth has stalled since industrialization and democratization, must become a science and technology powerhouse to secure its future."

Ahn Cheolsoo, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, is being interviewed by Asia Economy. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

He continued, "A third world war in the form of a science and technology supremacy battle is underway," and added, "For the first time in human history, diplomacy, security, and the economy are becoming inseparable, all centered around science and technology." Ahn further stated, "In an era where science and technology represent national power and sovereignty, only leaders capable of debating with experts, like Xi Jinping of China or Angela Merkel of Germany, can win this war." He also pointed out, "The frightening reality is that while the 1st to 3rd industrial revolutions created jobs, the AI revolution of the 4th industrial revolution is one where people lose their jobs."

Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party-government council meeting held at the National Assembly on February 18 to strengthen AI competitiveness. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Above all, Ahn emphasized, "Debating AI is about people's livelihoods and welfare; it is a matter of 'making a living' and even 'life and death.'" He said, "We need a leader with a background in science and technology or business who looks to the future and can solve community problems such as climate change, disasters, and pandemics through the power of science and technology." He continued, "Science and technology must be used to improve quality of life?health, safety, peace of mind?and to help the socially vulnerable, such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Most importantly, the rationality of science and technology must play a role in enhancing the rationality of our society." Ahn stressed, "Everyone must remember that Korea's survival depends on possessing cutting-edge science and technology," and added, "Leaders without a clear vision could plunge Korea into ruin in just five years, and people should be deeply aware of this fact."

Meanwhile, the surprise debate between Ahn Cheolsoo and Lee Junseok, who are famously known as rivals in Yeouido, was made possible due to Lee's persistent "love calls." It is evaluated that the debate happened because Ahn responded positively. Previously, since the 14th, Lee had praised Ahn's expertise in science and technology during live broadcasts and Q&A sessions with reporters, saying things like, "Whenever people with no understanding of science and technology speak, Representative Ahn Cheolsoo always makes appropriate points and comments." Then, in a Channel A interview the previous day, Ahn responded, "Aren't Lee and I both from science and engineering backgrounds? I think it would benefit both the public and Korea if we create an opportunity for a joint debate on science, engineering, and AI."

Meanwhile, the surprise debate between candidates Ahn Cheolsoo and Lee Junseok, who are famously known as rivals in Yeouido, was made possible due to Lee's consistent "love calls." It is evaluated that the debate happened because candidate Ahn responded positively. YouTube channel "KBS NEWS"

After the debate was arranged, Lee wrote on his social media, "Coincidentally, the late Representative Roh Hoechan, who shared a connection with both of us and Sanggye-dong, once said, 'Even if Korea and Japan usually quarrel, shouldn't they join forces if aliens invade?'" He added, "Although Representative Ahn and I have sometimes revealed various political disagreements, I believe we must come together in the face of the shared challenge of the science and technology supremacy competition." He went on to say, "Rather than political engineering that only weighs advantages and disadvantages?like 'big tent' politics?I hope the presidential race will be reshaped by genuine engineering concerns for Korea's future."