009- The Case against 안철수 (Ahn Cheol-soo)

- 안철수 announced his candidacy for Seoul Mayor in the upcoming local elections. Uphill climb for him based on polling - his supporters are pushing the "아름다운 양보" or "beautiful concession narrative" but this is a very different political environment from 7 years ago. - image has taken a severe beating from his pristine reputation as a visionary software mogul ushering in an age of "new politics" or "새정치" - but the reality belies this 신비주위 or mythical aura he tried to portray after the realities of political life and mud-slinging took its tool. - questions regarding the true success of his company Ahnlab and its negative effect on the nation's IT security, as well as his general wish-washiness on specific policy issues and desire to "have it both ways" on hard political questions. - basic political progression. popularity through talk concerts and media interviews. signaled his interest in running for Seoul mayoral bi-elections in 2011. 아름다운 양보 to eventual mayor 박원순. tried running for president in 2012. agreed on consolidation with 문재인. lost the polling contest to 문. was a "poor sport" and deemed to halfheartedly support Moon in the election which was won by 박근혜. later joined the Democratic party but was a thorn in the side of the mainstream (pro-Moon) faction. after much disputes, led a revolt within the party and split to form the 국민의당 (People's Party) with Honam based lawmakers upset at Moon. Won a big victory in the ensuing parliamentary elections and the 국민의당 became a strong 3rd party in the National Assembly. Tried to parlay his image as a "moderate" and run for president in the aftermath of the 박근혜 collapse in the snap elections. Voters desire for MAJOR change worked against his long-cultivated ambiguous image. Burned bridges once again to force through a merger with the splinter conservative 바른정당. Another split ensued with the Honam lawmakers and Honam people largely abandoning him. - demonstrates a continued pattern of refusing to compromise with his fellow politicos, an opportunistic streak and a persistent unwillingness to take a courageous stand on anything. - so what's his strategy and endgame for the Seoul mayoral race and beyond? does he have another comeback within him? Subscribe, rate and review (preferable 5 stars!) on Apple Podcasts! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/korea-pod/id1361450798?mt=2&ls;=1