Pro-Roh figure gains popularity; some consider Ahn indispensable


Since its recent leadership election, public polling has grown more favorable for the main opposition Democratic United Party.

One of the big boosts has come from the rising popularity of Moon Jae-in, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation and close aide to the liberal former president.

Many nevertheless claimed Ahn Cheol-soo, independent but left leaning professor should not be ruled out for the party to gain public support.

“It is our goal to win in the presidential election without Ahn,” said Woo Sang-ho, the party’s public relations strategy director.

“Ahn may become a valid alternative for the party, should the situation turn unfavorable, but we are not to act on the premise that he will join our camp.”

Political speculation began to surround the IT entrepreneur-turned-professor late last year as rumors circulated that he would run for Seoul mayor in the October by-election.

Though he declined to run, instead backing liberal activist Park Won-soon and has so far refrained from entering the political arena, Ahn is nevertheless considered the strongest presidential hopeful in the liberal camp, beating the ruling Grand National Party’s Rep. Park Geun-hye in some polls.

However, he recently dismissed the possibility of going political.

“I do not see why a person like me should worry about politics,” he said.

Some also showed optimism in the party’s prospects.

“The DUP may seize the moment, if it wins the majority of parliamentary seats in the April general elections, especially in beating the GNP in the conservative Busan and South Gyeongsang regions,” said Kang Won-tak, professor of political science at Seoul National University.

In a public survey conducted last week by a local media research center, Moon won 15.3 percent of the respondents’ vote and was ranked third among presidential hopefuls, following Park and Ahn.

Former Democratic Party chairman and presidential potential Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu only won 3.2 percent.

Also, according to another poll by a leading newspaper, Moon had come within 10 points of Park, provided Ahn offers his support.

Despite such hopes, however, the majority opinion within the party still favored the option of collaborating with the professor.

“The DUP is not yet ready to appeal to undecided voters, unless Ahn joins the camp or, at least, supports it,” said Rep. Park Sun-sook.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)