Ahn names feminist as foundation head

By Chung Min-uck

Ahn Cheol-soo, an entrepreneur-turned-professor, appointed Park Young-sook, former chairwoman of the Korea Foundation for Women (KFW), to head his foundation, according to aides, Sunday.

The founder of anti-virus software provider AhnLab will hold a press briefing at the Press Center in downtown Seoul today to formally announce Park’s appointment. The billionaire will also unveil his detailed plans regarding the foundation in the event.

Persistent rumors have it that Ahn will run in the December presidential election.

Park is a veteran feminist and participated in various movements for democracy and women’s rights for nearly 30 years before joining the National Assembly in 1988. The 80-year-old took up the top post at the KFW in 1999, and is engaged in many charity-related activities.

She currently serves as chairwoman of the Meerae Forum, a non-profit organization that hosts conferences on social issues, such as youth unemployment and the aging society among others. Ahn reportedly offered Park the post last week, and she accepted.

Ahn said last November he will donate half of his stake in AhnLab to the envisioned foundation to provide quality after-school programs for children from underprivileged families.