Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate for the People Power Party presidential primary, said on the 24th, 'Han Duck-soo's candidacy would be an act of shirking responsibility. Please do not run.'
Candidate Ahn noted, 'Mr. Duck-soo, please do not cross the river of candidacy. The river we need to cross right now is the river of impeachment.'
On the same day, Ahn said on Facebook, 'Han Duck-soo was the only prime minister of the impeached Yoon Suk-yeol administration. He cannot escape responsibility for national government failures, martial law, and impeachment. His candidacy goes against the common sense and desires of the people.'
Ahn continued, 'South Korea is at a critical time, needing to respond to the trade war with the Trump administration. In particular, to address the tariff bomb from the United States, we must be dedicated to the diplomatic and trade front,' and asserted, 'Considering that the U.S. government's policies are decided within six months after the inauguration, this is not the time to contemplate candidacy but to defend national interests.'
Ahn added, 'A candidacy that is pushed forward without justification or determination cannot gain the support of the people,' and stated, 'While some political forces within the party are encouraging candidacy for their own interests, I hope you will conclude your public service with dignity and conviction until the end. That is what the people expect.'
Ahn remarked, 'I know well Han Duck-soo's competence and integrity, but his candidacy lacks both justification and practical benefits. This is no different from the former President Yoon Suk-yeol's re-candidacy, and it will never stop Lee Jae-myung.'