Ahn Sang-soo, former mayor of Incheon, said Sunday that he will run for the presidency on the ruling Saenuri Party’s ticket.

“I will work to relieve people from the burden of debt and make Korea a more livable place,” he told a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul.

Ahn, mayor of the western port city from 2002 to 2010, claimed that he has proven governing capability and economic skills. He served as a member of the National Assembly before being elected mayor.

안상수(국회의원) <YONHAP PHOTO-0599> 안상수 전 인천시장 대권도전 (서울=연합뉴스) 백승렬 기자 = 새누리당 안상수 전 인천시장이 6일 여의도 당사 기자실에서 대권도전을 선언하고 있다. 2012. 5. 6 srbaek@yna.co.kr/2012-05-06 14:08:52/ <저작권자 ⓒ 1980-2012 ㈜연합뉴스. 무단 전재 재배포 금지.> Ahn Sang-soo
안상수(국회의원) 안상수 전 인천시장 대권도전 (서울=연합뉴스) 백승렬 기자 = 새누리당 안상수 전 인천시장이 6일 여의도 당사 기자실에서 대권도전을 선언하고 있다. 2012. 5. 6 srbaek@yna.co.kr/2012-05-06 14:08:52/ <저작권자 ⓒ 1980-2012 ㈜연합뉴스. 무단 전재 재배포 금지.> Ahn Sang-soo

Ahn Sang-soo

By declaring his candidacy, the 66-year-old joined a crowdfield of Saenuri politicians looking to pull off a dramatic upset victory over the party’s current chief and long-time presidential favorite Park Geun-hye.

Gyeonggi Gov. Kim Moon-soo and Rep. Chung Mong-june have already declared their candidacy, while Yim Tae-hee, former chief of staff to President Lee Myung-bak, and Rep. Lee Jae-oh are mulling the timing of an announcement.

In public opinion polls, Park holds a convincing lead, although she is yet to announce her bid officially.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldm.com)


koreaherald@heraldcorp.com