Ahn Cheolsoo to Lee Jaemyung: "Be a True Person Before Talking About True Democracy"

"Lee Denies Party Politics, Directly Threatens Liberal Democracy"
"Before True Conservatism or Democracy, Become a 'True Person'"

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

Representative Ahn Cheolsoo of the People Power Party pointed out that if Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, becomes president, the absolute power he would simultaneously hold over both the National Assembly and the presidency would pose the most fundamental threat to the Republic of Korea.

On the 28th, Representative Ahn wrote on his Facebook page, "While the 'chopstick-wielding elephant' is a problem, the 'absolute and unchecked power' is an even bigger problem," opening his remarks.

Both the chopsticks and the elephant refer to comments made during the previous day's '21st Presidential Election Candidates' Debate.' Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party candidate, criticized Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party over allegations of personal misuse of a corporate credit card. He referenced ongoing court proceedings, pointing out that between November 2019 and October 2021, 27.91 million won worth of fruit was purchased with the corporate card, asking, "Do you have something like an elephant at home?"

Representative Ahn stated, "Candidate Lee claims that he will achieve the advancement of conservatism and play the role of a rational conservative, but this is a dangerous statement that denies party politics and directly threatens liberal democracy." He continued, "With sweet words, he is essentially declaring an 'unchecked one-party dictatorship,' and is saying he intends to move toward a system like the Workers' Party of Korea's one-party rule in North Korea."

He went on to say, "If you want to talk about conservatism, you must first talk about 'responsibility.' True conservatives achieve national stability and development and uphold the rule of law by firmly opposing irresponsible populism, agitation, and any undermining of freedom and the rule of law." He added, "It is absurd for a candidate who fundamentally contradicts the essence of conservatism to speak of being a 'true conservative.' Before talking about 'true conservatism' or 'true democracy,' I hope he first becomes a 'true person' and reflects on what 'true democracy' really means."