Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, announced 10 major pledges for the 21st presidential election. He included promises in all areas, such as support for new industries, political reform, welfare, and diplomacy and security. Ahn emphasized his competence as an information and communication technology (IT) and medical expert, appealing for support.
On the morning of the 13th, Ahn held a press conference in the National Assembly office building in Seoul, stating, “Now is the time when a scientist and an economist who understands the future should lead the country, not a lawyer,” and noted, “The only candidate who can make South Korea run again and lead the government stably from day one is me, Ahn Cheol-soo.”
Ahn presented pledges in 10 areas: securing new growth engines, political reform, five major reforms including pensions, education, labor, medical care, and public services, balanced regional development, safe welfare including child allowances and the national responsibility system for dementia, housing welfare including special supplies for youth and newlyweds' dwellings, low birthrate measures, diplomacy, security, and reunification, fostering smart rural areas, and addressing the climate crisis and securing energy sovereignty.
He specifically presented a vision to foster five strategic industries: artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, mobility, semiconductors, and K-services. He also emphasized raising the proportion of research and development investment to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) and nurturing 1 million core scientific and technological talents. He expressed the ambition to establish the “K-Startup Fund” at a scale of 20 trillion won to realize the startup nation.
Ahn stated, “The 10 major pledges are not mere promises but practical plans for a transition of the era and a great leap for the nation,” and he added, “I will create a fair nation where honest people do not suffer losses, hard workers receive their just rewards, and everyone grows together.”
Ahn showed a posture of checking Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of the Democratic Party, more than the other preliminary candidates from the People Power Party. His position is that he will not be concerned about the internal election rules or Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s candidacy. He pointed out that since a centrist vote is necessary to prevent Lee’s dominance, the members of the People Power Party need to change their stance on martial law.
He noted, “If someone who knows nothing about AI and semiconductors discusses what others have written, the moment they are elected president, AI and semiconductors will not be in their minds,” and added, “Rather, only what they had previously called for, like basic income, will remain, and if such a person becomes president, our country will become a scientific backwater.”
He continued, “Those who supported the impeachment show up in polls, but they are only 30%, and if that’s the case, it becomes a way to make Lee Jae-myung president,” adding, “While it’s understandable that strong beliefs are gathered, if we think that Lee cannot become president, we need to gather the centrists to our side.”