The Ahn Cheol-soo Foundation, established with a major donation by the potential presidential candidate, decided to keep its name but defer its activities Thursday following the election watchdog’s warning that charity work under his name would violate the election law.

“The foundation honors Ahn’s contribution to social welfare but is legally independent from its donor,” said its secretary-general Kim Hyun-sook.

“We will nevertheless make sure that our projects are conducted within the legal boundaries.”

The foundation summoned a board meeting, following the National Election Commission’s decision on Monday that Ahn’s name should not be used in the title as it could compramise equity in the presidential election.

The NEC’s judgment came in response to a call for an investigation by Saenuri Party lawmaker Rep. Shim Jae-chul.

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