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Ahn Cheol-soo, a presidential primary candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), delivers an appeal to the public during a press conference at the National Assembly's communication center in Seoul on April 27. / Photo by Lee Byung-hwa

Ahn Cheol-soo, a presidential primary candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), emphasized his expertise and future-oriented leadership during an interview with Asia Today on April 27.

"I have built expertise in science, economy, and healthcare, and lived a life without a single moral stain. I will work tirelessly through the night, race toward the world, achieve national unity and generational change, and transform Korea into a top-tier nation," Ahn said.

Stressing his strength as a "scientist and businessman focused on the future" rather than a "lawyer dealing with the past and moral judgments," he argued that he is better positioned than other candidates to expand centrist support and secure votes in the Seoul metropolitan area against Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung. Ahn, who has experience as a physician, CEO of AhnLab, and university professor, continues his presidential campaign by appealing to centrist voters.

The following are excerpts from the interview:

— If Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo runs for the upcoming early election, would you consider unifying candidacies?

"In the broader framework of a 'coalition against Lee Jae-myung,' all possibilities are open, and Han would not be an exception. However, what the people expect from Han is to take responsibility for the administration until the very end. His candidacy would be no different from former President Yoon Suk Yeol running again — there’s no distinction."

— As a candidate who has consistently supported the impeachment of former President Yoon, how will you win over voters who opposed impeachment?

"Even those who opposed impeachment share the same concerns for the country. Moreover, resistance to the Democratic Party’s legislative dominance and rejection of Lee Jae-myung’s dictatorship align with my views. The Constitutional Court removed Yoon from office for serious constitutional violations. Therefore, our party should distance itself from Yoon and apologize to the public as a responsible ruling party. That’s the right path to earn broader public support."

— What is the specific reason for proposing a constitutional amendment to shorten the presidential term and hold a referendum alongside the 2026 local elections?

"The 1987 system has run its course. The president’s power is excessive, while the National Assembly’s responsibility is weak. I would reduce the president’s power, shift to a four-year, two-term system with midterm evaluations, strengthen local governments' authority, and establish constitutional checks on legislative monopolies. Past constitutional reforms failed because presidents were passive early in their terms. To succeed, the president must treat constitutional reform as a historic task and show a willingness to sacrifice by shortening their own term."

— What differentiates you overwhelmingly from other candidates?

"My broad hands-on experience as a doctor, entrepreneur, IT expert, and professor enables me to better activate startups, create jobs, and solve on-the-ground issues like the medical crisis."

— How will you appeal to voters outside the centrist bloc and to the politically disinterested?

"I will present a new blueprint for Korea through 'change and innovation.' Integrity, competence, and a vision for the future will win hearts. The only way to overcome political cynicism is to show genuine, capable governance that works for the people."

— You emphasized AI in your campaign, promising that Korea would rank among the global top three by 2035. How will you achieve this?

"The government will support basic scientific research long-term and strengthen education in AI, semiconductors, and robotics from elementary through high school to boost scientific capacity. We will invest heavily in cutting-edge technologies, build strategic growth frameworks, and expand tax incentives for private R&D. By reforming regulations and creating a fair competition system, we will foster a Korean-style startup ecosystem and promote regionally specialized industries to balance national development.

With my expertise, I am confident in fostering the AI industry and resolving healthcare crises. Like President Park Chung-hee’s Five-Year Economic Development Plans, I will implement a 'New Five-Year Economic Development Plan' and build an 'AI Highway' to establish Korea as an AI powerhouse. As a former doctor, I have maintained dialogue with the medical community and, as president, will form a bipartisan healthcare consultative body. Together, we will pursue policies such as increasing medical school quotas, improving conditions for medical residents, easing legal liabilities for doctors, raising health insurance reimbursements, advancing the healthcare system, and training physician-scientists."

— What is your stance on the widespread election fraud allegations?

"Claims of election fraud are dangerous without clear evidence and could undermine the electoral system, the foundation of democracy. Such claims are unlikely to gain broad public support. However, the National Election Commission’s mismanagement and corruption must be thoroughly addressed. I will establish a transparent, IT-based election system and improve institutional frameworks to restore public trust."