On the left, the popular Ahn Cheol-soo, Seoul National University Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology Dean, wonders about entering politics while behind him every mediocre politician in Korea rushes towards the offices of the Democratic United Party.

The wooden sign shows the ruling Lee Myung-bak administration’s low approval rating, reading, “Winning the election due to MB, not impeachment.” A number of politicians got elected easily in the 2004 general election due to the Grand National Party’s forced impeachment of then-President Roh Moo-hyun.

Dissatisfaction with the Lee Myung-back regime means a great opportunity for new candidates to get elected. The power vacuum explains the rush, while the talented Ahn sits on the sidelines.

(Hankyoreh Geurimpan Jan. 27)