Hints at Continued Role in the Party Despite Failing to Reach the Final Round
Luncheon Meeting with Candidate Kim Munsu
Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsoo, who failed to advance to the final round of the People Power Party convention, hinted at a comeback by quoting a famous scene from the comic "Slam Dunk." His remarks appear to signal his determination not to step back, even after his second defeat.
People Power Party leader candidate Kim Munsu and Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsu are meeting at a restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 22nd, Assemblyman Ahn shared a famous scene from the popular basketball comic "Slam Dunk" on Facebook, quoting Kang Baekho's line: "My convention ends today. I will wait for the pass."
The scene depicts the moment just before the end of the final match, when Kang Baekho, having received a pass from his teammate and rival Seo Taewoong, scores a dramatic winning basket. Ahn's statement is interpreted as expressing his intention to step back for now but wait for another opportunity to return to the center stage in the future.
This convention marked Ahn's second defeat. In the March 2023 convention, he finished in second place, but this time he failed to reach the final round. He stated, "The voice of innovation and the gesture of reform will never waver," and added, "I will always stand my ground among the people and party members."
Assemblyman Cho Kyungtae, who was also eliminated, delivered a similar message. He posted a short note on Facebook saying, "A painful reality. Thank you so much," and sent a text message to party members, saying, "My heart aches," and "I sincerely thank the party members who shared the will for innovation."
Meanwhile, as pro-impeachment candidates continued to be eliminated, finalist Kim Munsu sought to broaden his alliance with Ahn by pursuing party unity. On the 23rd, Kim met with Ahn for a luncheon in Yeouido, Seoul, where they reportedly discussed the party's direction and plans for reform.
Immediately after the convention, Kim expressed a message of inclusiveness, stating, "People like Assemblyman Ahn are needed within the party."
In this convention, anti-impeachment candidates Kim Munsu and Jang Donghyuk advanced to the final round, leading to assessments that the party's momentum is once again centering around supporters of President Yoon Sukyeol. Criticism both inside and outside the party has emerged, with phrases such as "Yoon Again" and "Back to a pro-Yoon party" being raised.
The party leadership structure has become clearer following the convention. With the consolidation of the pro-Yoon faction and the reflection of hardline party sentiment, a comeback by the pro-impeachment group seems unlikely. Nevertheless, Assemblyman Ahn, like Kang Baekho in "Slam Dunk," has sent a message that he will wait for a decisive "pass" at the crucial moment.
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