Philanthropist seeks Korea presidency

Published on 20/09/2012 00:00

South Korean software multi- millionaire and philanthropist Ahn Cheol-soo has announced he will run for the presidency, ending a year-long wait and throwing wide open a race that had looked to be a coronation for the conservatives’ Park
Geun-hye.

Vowing to tighten up on big business, which he has accused of treating employees like caged animals in a zoo, the youthful-looking 50-year old yesterday said he would create jobs for young people and share wealth and opportunities in the world’s 13th largest economy.

Mr Ahn has donated more than $200 million of his wealth to charity and is seen as the only candidate capable of derailing Ms Park’s goal of becoming South Korea’s first female president, and the two are neck-and-neck ahead of the 19 December election After he declared his presidential bid, Mr Ahn surged to a lead over Ms Park in the polls.

He is standing as an independent and will need to cut a deal with the official opposition candidate Moon Jae-in to avoid splitting the anti-Park vote.

Mr Ahn has never held political office, while Ms Park has lead the ruling conservatives and is the daughter of South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee.