Empty Seats After Exit Poll Announcement... Only Ahn Cheolsoo Remains

Key Party Figures Leave Within 10 Minutes of Exit Polls
Ahn Cheolsoo Remains Alone, Guarding His Seat for Over Four Hours

After the exit polls for the presidential election held on the 3rd were announced, Ahn Cheolsoo, co-chairman of the joint election campaign committee, was seen guarding the People Power Party headquarters. In the exit polls, Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, was shown to be trailing Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, by more than 12 percentage points, leading to a heavy silence in the party's ballot counting situation room.

On the afternoon of the 3rd, after the exit polls were announced, Ahn Cheolsoo, co-chairman of the joint election campaign committee, was seen guarding the People Power Party headquarters while most others had left their seats. People Power Party YouTube

As the results deviated significantly from the 'golden cross' the People Power Party had initially hoped for and the prospect of defeat became clear, disappointment was evident on the faces of the party leadership. Some bowed their heads, and many were seen sighing. About ten minutes after the exit poll announcement, the people who had filled the ballot counting situation room began to leave one by one. Amid this, Ahn Cheolsoo stood out for remaining at his seat for more than four hours after the exit poll results were released.

Ahn was seen sitting in his seat, silently watching the TV broadcast of the ballot counting, or occasionally having quiet conversations with Kim Yongtae, chairman of the emergency response committee, and Yang Hyungja, co-chair of the election committee, who sat next to him. Even as most of the election committee officials left their seats or came and went from the ballot counting situation room, he did not get up.

Regarding this, a People Power Party official said, "When the election results are unfavorable, there is little reason to remain at the scene. Nevertheless, by staying, he sent a message of commitment to the party regardless of the election outcome." Some observers suggested that his actions reflected regret over the presidential election defeat. Although Ahn had competed with Kim for the party's presidential nomination, he actively supported Kim during the campaign. He repeatedly emphasized the message of a 'one team' centered on Kim and often accompanied Kim on campaign events. However, some believe this may be a move to gain an advantageous position in the upcoming party leadership race.