Ahn hints at joining opposition party if named unified candidate

Independent presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo on Tuesday hinted at the possibility of joining the main opposition Democratic United Party should he be named the liberal camp`s unified standard-bearer.

“Should I be elected the unified candidate of the opposition, I’ll gather various public support centered on the (main opposition) Democratic United Party for the election,” he told a discussion hosted by the Journalists’ Association of Korea at Korea Press Center, adding, “If I were to win the presidential election, the Democratic United Party will be a strong partner in state affairs and an important support base.” He gave no clear answer on if he would join the party, but implied that he could if selected as the opposition`s unified candidate.

On the criticism that the candidate unification process is simply about splitting power, he said, “Of course you can think of putting power together if you are weak alone to achieve a common goal such as new politics or a change of power. The people should make judgment if it`s simple collusion or an effort toward new politics.”

Moon Jae-in, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party, said the same day, “The Ahn camp is insisting on a method that gives it an advantage in the negotiations for selecting a unified candidate.”

Ahn refrained from commenting on Moon`s allegation, saying, “Mr. Moon and I agreed Sunday that the negotiation teams will discuss how to unify the candidate, so mention of the negotiating process is inappropriate.” The independent candidate apparently wanted to avoid a head-on collision with Moon by unveiling what was discussed in the negotiations, adding, “I’m worried because a unified candidate should be selected under a consensus and with the blessings of supporters from both sides. I hope the process will go more smoothly.”

As for the notion that Ahn excessively tries to represent the people, he said, “A politician says he or she will change the country in a better way through politics and conduct politics based on support for him or her. The people backed me first before I announced my political will, and I`m a politician who decided to do politics based on support, so the people are more desperate and special to me.” He added, "I don’t think I’ll lose in the election. Should it happen, I’ll continue to do my best as a politician for the people, who want me to address their issues.”

zeitung@donga.com