Ahn Cheolsoo Says He Is "Honestly Disappointed" by Han Donghoon's Decision Not to Run for Party Leader

"Jeon Hangil Should Leave the Party"
"We Cannot Embrace People with Views That Are Too Different"

Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, who is running for the leadership of the People Power Party, commented on former leader Han Donghoon's decision not to run, saying, "To be honest, it's a bit disappointing."

On July 29, appearing on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show,' Ahn said, "With one less person to compete for innovation, the voice for innovation may be weakened, so I don't think it will have a positive impact on the party." Regarding the possibility that Han might support him, he said, "I don't expect that," and added, "An election is something you have to fight and win on your own, isn't it?"

Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the National Assembly running for the leadership of the People Power Party. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding the ongoing discussion within the party about whether to discipline Jeon Hangil, a former Korean history lecturer, Ahn said, "Personally, I think it would be best for him to leave the party." He continued, "If you try to embrace people with completely different views, it becomes a source of conflict rather than unity, which can lead to disputes and even split the party," expressing his concerns.

He went on to say, "We can't embrace people whose views are too different," and added, "It would be better for those with different opinions to form their own party, which would be good for them and also a better solution for our party." He pointed out, "(Jeon) is not just against impeachment, but is actually defending the very concept of martial law. That is far removed from our party's stance."

Regarding his rival for party leadership, Jang Donghyuk, appearing on Jeon's YouTube channel, Ahn said, "It's very regrettable." He noted, "During the last presidential election, 41% of the people gathered around the idea that Lee Jaemyung should not become president." He continued, "But after that, our party did not change and even appeared to align itself with extreme forces defending martial law, causing our approval rating to plummet endlessly to 17%." He criticized, "I believe appearing on Jeon's YouTube channel is a choice that turns away the majority of reasonable conservatives and shrinks the party, so I am opposed to it."

Regarding another leadership rival, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, Ahn said, "One of the reasons for our defeat in the presidential election was that Kim did not keep his promise to unify with former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo." He added, "He apologized late for the impeachment issue, but by then, the public had already turned away." He concluded, "It would be appropriate for him to step down."