Ahn Cheolsoo: "In the Era of Lee Jaemyung, the Value of Freedom Will Collapse... Only Ahn Cheolsoo Is a Candidate Who Won't Be Overshadowed"

"Could Degenerate Into North Korean-Style 'Joseon Democracy' Without Freedom"
"The Public Is Disappointed With People Power Party Candidates Who Cannot Cross the River of Impeachment"

On April 28, Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, a presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party, stated, "In the era of Lee Jaemyung, the value of 'freedom' will collapse," and added, "We must nominate a candidate who will not be overshadowed by Lee Jaemyung. Only Ahn Cheolsoo can do that."

On social media that day, Representative Ahn criticized Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "If one person is given the power to change everything, North Korean-style 'Joseon democracy' could actually be realized."

Yonhap News Agency

Regarding Lee's acceptance speech for the presidential nomination, Ahn pointed out, "'Freedom' was mentioned only once," and argued, "He only emphasized 'democracy,' but it is unclear whether that means 'social democracy' or North Korean-style 'Joseon democracy'." Ahn further expressed concern, saying, "Enterprises will be nationalized, and populist free welfare and public sector expansion will destroy our will to live."

He also appealed to other People Power Party presidential primary candidates, saying, "The public is disappointed with our party's candidates who cannot cross the river of impeachment, and with candidates who are former prosecutors."

He continued, "With more than 60% of public opinion in favor of impeachment, anti-impeachment factions and former prosecutors dreaming of a second consecutive prosecutor-led administration cannot stop Lee Jaemyung," and added, "It is not possible to win against Lee Jaemyung simply with candidates who, like him, are former public officials such as governors or ministers." In this statement, he targeted both the People Power Party candidates and Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister.

Representative Ahn emphasized, "Only someone who has been a doctor, founded a venture company, taught students with a sense of public service, entered politics to create a better environment out of public-mindedness, has proven political ability by establishing a party with 38 seats since the era of the 'Three Kims,' and has achieved results for the people in every endeavor, can win through differentiation."