Software mogul-turned-politician Ahn declares 4th presidential bid

SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, a computer software mogul-turned-lawmaker of the People Power Party, declared his fourth presidential run Tuesday, saying he is the "only candidate" capable of defeating Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.

Ahn called for support in his presidential bid for the June 3 election following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's ouster over his imposition of martial law, noting public concerns over a potential power shift to Lee.

"The future of our country can no longer be entrusted to former prosecutors and legal professionals who remain fixated on the past," he said during a press conference.

Ahn claimed himself as the most qualified candidate to advance the artificial intelligence industry and to resolve the ongoing health care crisis, pledging to address the country's low birth rate and strengthen diplomacy, national security and economic security.

It will be the fourth time for the former medical doctor and software entrepreneur to run for president.

In 2012, Ahn withdrew from the presidential race less than a month before the election, giving his support to Moon Jae-in, the then candidate of the main opposition party. He ran again in the 2017 election and finished third with 21.41 percent of the vote. In 2022, he dropped out of the presidential race at the last minute to support Yoon under a candidacy merger deal.

julesyi@yna.co.kr
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