hankyoreh

March 27. (by Kim Myung-jin

By Kim Bo-hyup and Sung Yeon-chul, staff writers

Ahn Chul-soo, software tycoon and possible presidential candidate, is reappearing on the political scene ahead of the general election to be held on Apr. 11. There are questions surrounding how Ahn's presence could affect the elections.

While talking about “presidential qualifications” during a Tuesday lecture at Seoul National University, Ahn said, “I could stand politics if it meant I would be a tool for bringing positive developments to society.” Ahn appears poised to continue with political activities through lectures in the time leading up to the general election.

Gang In-cheol, an attorney for Ahn, told the Hankyoreh in a telephone interview Wednesday that there would be “other lectures before general elections, although nothing is set in stone yet.”

Gang also said, “There doesn’t seem to be any need to lay low like he did with the Seoul mayoral by-elections last year.

"He may express himself freely as an intellectual and mentor as he deems necessary,“ Gang added.

Meanwhile, politicians are questioning what Ahn meant when he said he would "not rely on the logic of any particular camp" if he did take part in politics. Analysts said it was not clear whether he was talking about a so-called ‘third way’ outside of the current ruling and opposition parties.

Gang explained this to mean that Ahn would not be offering his support based solely on affiliation with a particular group or ideology.

"I think he may discuss who is saying the right things in terms of the common sense and illogic that he‘s been talking about all along, as well as problems and measures in resolving issues of the times," Gang said.

Members of a Hankyoreh panel of political experts were divided in their interpretations.

Yonsei University sociology professor Kim Ho-gi said Ahn’s remarks could be read as representing a concept of "post-ideological progressivism."

"This is progressivism in terms of valuing change and moving forward to a new area, rather than what people typically talk about with their conventional notions of ‘conservatism’ and ‘progressivism,’" Kim explained.

"We may see more political statements as the general election draws closer, with Ahn using his ‘code’ of communication, consensus, and common sense," Kim predicted.

According to Kim’s interpretation, the New Frontier Party (NFP) and its emergency measures committee chairperson Park Geun-hye may end up branded as "old-fashioned" for the party’s ideology-based offensive.

Political critic Ko Sung-kook said, "With his remarks yesterday, it looks like Ahn will be moving ahead with the concept of a ‘citizens’ candidate' or `people's candidate,' actively expressing his plans or desire to engage in politics.

“This is likely to work against the opposition, which has developed a vision that involves bringing Ahn into their camp,” Ko predicted.

A panel member who requested anonymity described Ahn‘s statements and actions as “vague” and said, “It feels like I’m looking at a politician who tried and failed to opt for a third way besides conservatism or progressivism.”

The same panel member predicted that Ahn's sweeping criticisms of progressives and conservatives without encouraging political engagement and voting could diminish the enthusiasm of his potential supporters on election day. According to this analysis, Ahn’s remarks could function to encourage antipathy toward the political establishment among voters in their twenties and thirties and dampen their desire to participate politically.

Meanwhile, the NFP and Democratic United Party could try to turn Ahn’s activities in their own favor.

An NFP official said, “We in the New Frontier Party have been making our own fight for change and reforms, and we feel there are areas where we could join together with Ahn Chul-soo.”

DUP election committee spokesman Hwang Chang-ha said Ahn’s remarks “are not any different from what we are saying. He seems to be looking for his own unique way of contributing to the election.”

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