"If Branded as an Insurrectionist Party, People Power Party Could Be Dissolved"...Ahn Cheolsoo's Warning

On the 2nd, says on SNS:
"We, too, could end up like the Unified Progressive Party"

Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, who is running for leadership of the People Power Party, appealed for support by saying, "We, too, could end up like the Unified Progressive Party." The Unified Progressive Party was disbanded in 2014 on charges of conspiracy to commit insurrection.

On August 2, Representative Ahn stated on his social networking service (SNS), "The Democratic Party of Korea may label us as an 'insurrectionist party' and file for the dissolution of our party. This is a grave situation," he said.

He began by saying, "Some say they are ashamed to call themselves members of the People Power Party. These are the heartfelt confessions of party members I met in Daegu," and added, "The pride of our party members is being shattered." He continued, "Illegal martial law is the worst violation of constitutional order in our history, and no excuse can justify it. If someone who defends or remains silent about it becomes our party leader, our party will immediately be branded as an 'insurrectionist party' and could be driven toward dissolution." He further pointed out, "We are united, yet our support is only 17%. Who will protect our party?"

Representative Ahn went on to criticize some of his leadership rivals who argue that the party must embrace all conservative forces, including Jeon Hangil, a former Korean history lecturer who has defended martial law. He said, "Should we just unite strongly and clearly? Even when united, our approval rating is only 17%. Who will protect our party?"

Ahn Cheolsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, visited the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 1st, where a violent incident occurred following the arrest of former President Yoon Sukyeol. After inspecting the scene of the violence, he made a statement. Photo by Ahn Cheolsoo's office

Representative Ahn argued, "The leadership bids by anti-reform factions are nothing more than irresponsible power grabs. They also help Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party in their efforts to dismantle our party." He continued, "Only Ahn Cheolsoo, who risked his life to protect the people during the Daegu COVID-19 crisis, can protect our party from being branded as an 'insurrectionist party'." He appealed for support, saying, "The pride of our party members is being shattered. The only person who will not further humiliate the pride of our members is also Ahn Cheolsoo."

Meanwhile, regarding Representative Ahn's remarks, Representative Joo Jinwoo, who is also running for the People Power Party leadership, pointed out, "He is crossing the line."

The People Power Party convention to elect the new party leader will be held on August 22 at Osco in Cheongju.