Ahn Cheol-soo
Popularity based on squeaky-clean image may backfire
Doubts about Seoul National University professor Ahn Cheol-soo’s integrity are growing day by day as political circles and the public wait for the popular political aspirant to make a decision on his presidential bid.
The latest is a revelation that the former software mogul had already purchased a home in 1988, contrary to his earlier comment, “I myself am also well aware of the misery of renting a home (without owning one).”
While most of the speculation so far is hearsay or trivial, it commonly focuses on questioning Ahn’s integrity, which observers explained was the main feature that allowed Ahn to enjoy such wide popularity in the first place.
“Ahn’s support ratings may be high, but his support base is not solid,” said Myongji University professor Shin Yul.
“Because the support toward him gathered mainly for his squeaky clean image that he himself also highlighted abundantly, such doubts, regardless of how trivial they may be, are bound to hurt his popularity if they continue,” he added.
It was reported that around the time he got married, Ahn purchased the apartment located in Sadang-dong, Seoul, with the help of his mother, leading some to question whether he paid due taxes. It was also reported that Ahn bought the apartment by purchasing the “right to residency” for it when it was being reconstructed. The project at the time caused a collision between the developer and evicted residents, according to news reports.
His opponents claim that such a past runs counter to his argument that “developers must give more consideration to tenants in urban development projects.”
By law, an endowment of money or assets from a parent to a child is subject to gift or transfer tax.
“Several debates have now been raised over whether Ahn has told the truth,” said Rep. Lee Sang-il, spokesman for the ruling Saenuri Party’s presidential candidate Park Geun-hye in a statement.
“Ahn should fess up. He must explain how he purchased the redeveloped (apartment), whether he paid the transfer tax, and whether it is correct to describe him living in his mother’s house as ‘living on rent,’ in a frank and persuading manner.”
Ahn’s aides had explained that Ahn did receive help from his parents to buy the house, but that more time was needed to clarify the exact price and whether he paid the required taxes.
Critics also took issue with his purchase of a one-third stake in a redevelopment project in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul, a year after he moved into his Sadang-dong home, also reportedly with the help of his mother.
Dividing up and buying a stake of the right to residency is widely considered a popular technique for investment.
Tax evasion and real estate speculation are some of the key causes that lead to resignations of candidates for high-ranking government posts here.
Ahn’s supporters, meanwhile, criticized such speculations for being excessive.
“There are signs that (such speculations being raised) are carefully planned by someone,” former Democratic United Party member Kim Hyo-seuk said in a television interview Monday.
“There are various trivial questions being raised, but this is the same as denouncing a person for a mere smear after making him out as some sort of a saint,” Kim added.
Other rumors include that Ahn recently went to “room salons,” exclusive bars with escorts, contrary to his denial during a previous television show appearance. Ahn’s side strongly condemned the speculation and reiterated he hadn’t drunk alcohol since 1998.
Hwang Jang-soo, head of a research institute and a former DUP official, also claimed that Ahn issued bulk bonds with warrant in 1999 and bought them back at a giveaway price.
To criticism that his wife, father-in-law and brother served in key posts at Ahnlab, his security software company, between 1995 and 2001, Ahn’s side explained they were the only alternatives for the company that was still starting out, and that they all resigned when the business picked up.
Ahn, meanwhile, gave yet another ambiguous reply to a question about his presidential ambition during his visit to Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province, last Thursday.
“Not only am I still (young), but opportunities can come this time or the next,“ he said. ”All in all, my final goal is not (becoming president).”
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
