Ahn Cheolsoo Announces Four Major Pledges: "Chungcheong Region to Become a Science and Technology Hub"

Targeting Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong:
"Promise of AI, Semiconductor, and Bio Industry Leadership"
"If Han Ducksoo Decides to Enter Politics, Who Could Stop Him?"

Ahn Cheolsoo, a presidential primary candidate from the People Power Party, visited Daejeon on April 28 and pledged, "I will make Daejeon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong region the center of cutting-edge technologies in AI, semiconductors, and bio industries."

On this day, Ahn announced his pledges at the press room of the Daejeon City Council. He stated, "Daejeon is undeniably the center of science and technology research in Korea, responsible for the nation's future industries, while Chungcheong is the heart of the country and a key transportation hub." He explained, "Now that science and technology have become national survival strategies in diplomacy and security, Daejeon and Chungcheong are regions with limitless potential to change the future of Korea."

He also mentioned his personal connection to the region, saying, "I began my career as a doctor in Chungcheong. After founding AhnLab and working in business, I returned to Daejeon at KAIST."

Ahn presented four major pledges targeting the Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong areas: ▲ fostering the region as a hub for AI, semiconductors, bio, and aerospace technologies ▲ establishing a hydrogen economy belt connecting Sejong, Daejeon, and Cheongju ▲ linking the metropolitan area, Sejong, and Daejeon through the GTX rail network ▲ and promoting the Sejong administrative capital project.

Ahn stated, "We will significantly expand the AI R&D special zone centered around KAIST and ETRI in Daejeon, and foster Cheonan and Asan as advanced clusters for semiconductor displays." He continued, "Cheongju and Sejong will be developed into global hubs for smart bio and medical AI industries. Chungbuk will focus on nurturing specialized industries in semiconductor secondary batteries." In particular, he plans to establish a national industrial complex for advanced semiconductor battery materials in Cheongju and Chungju.

Ahn also promised to lead the Korean-style NewSpace industry in satellites and launch vehicles, as well as to create a special zone for autonomous vehicles of the future.

When asked about the candidacy of Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister, Ahn replied, "If Acting President Han could reduce tariffs by even 1% in a single day, the resulting amount would be enormous." He added, "The best course of action is for Acting President Han to complete that task, achieve the best possible results, and properly manage the complex by-election."

However, he noted, "Personal decisions are up to the individual. If Acting President Han decides to enter politics starting next week, who could stop him?" He emphasized, "If Acting President Han does decide to run in the election, we must join forces in the anti-Lee Jaemyung front, uniting through candidate consolidation and other methods."