Moon says ready to engage in 'beautiful' contest

By Chung Min-uck

Rep. Moon Jae-in, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP), welcomed Ahn Cheol-soo’s decision Wednesday to join the presidential race.

“Ahn’s participation will help achieve the kind of political reforms that the people crave,” Moon was quoted as saying by Rep. Jin Sun-mee, spokeswoman of the DUP’s election camp.

Moon made the remark just after the 50-year-old AhnLab founder made the announcement of his long-anticipated bid. “Unlike the so-called old politics (riddled with negative campaigns), we will compete in a fair and beautiful manner.”

The former presidential chief of staff, however, said “the changes Ahn wants can be achieved only in the context of a regime change.”

Moon’s statement was taken to mean his wish for him and Ahn to seek to create a united liberal candidate before the actual voting day slated for Dec. 19.

“We are open to holding dialogue with Ahn’s side to create a single opposition candidate before the presidential poll,” Jin said.

Over the possible formation of an alliance, Ahn said everything depends on “the existing political parties’ commitment to change and reform” and “the consensus of the people.”

“Debate on selecting a single opposition candidate at this moment is inappropriate,” Ahn added.

Meanwhile, the Saenuri Party warned the new presidential contender against any attempt to engage with the left-wing party.

“Though the announcement came belatedly, it is fortunate that he has finally declared his bid,” said Lee Sang-il, the Saenuri Party spokesman, in a briefing right after Ahn made his announcement.

“However, Ahn didn’t clearly say he will stay as an independent candidate until the final day of the election. Ahn should be aware that such a stance can bring turmoil to the political scene trapped in groundless speculations surrounding him.”

Experts say the former university professor will agree to create a single unified candidate with the DUP, unless his support rating surpasses that of Park and Moon’s.

“From Ahn’s point of view, he has to distance himself from the established politics if he aims to absorb the swing voters in the middle,” said an official from Moon’s camp. “However, it is disappointing that Ahn didn’t clearly say the need for regime change.”