Anchor: Ahn Cheol-soo, the former cochairman of the minor opposition People's Party, has revealed his desire to become the next president of South Korea. Expressing his determination to change the government, the opposition heavyweight told reporters on Monday that the upcoming presidential election see a race among his party and each extreme of the political spectrum. Ahn's announcement comes well before the presidential race in December next year.
Our Kim Bum-soo has more.

Report: Former minor opposition People’s Party Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo has declared his bid to run for president, saying he will devote himself to replacing the government. 

The opposition heavyweight on Sunday climbed Mount Mudeung in the traditional opposition stronghold of Gwangju, South Jeolla Province.

In a news conference that followed the symbolic outing to the "Mother Mountain" of Jeolla citizens, the former presidential candidate revealed his bid.

[Sound bite: Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo - People's Party (Korean)]
"[The result of the April general elections] is an order for the People's Party to take the central role in replacing the administration. I will keep that in my heart to devote myself."

While positioning the People’s Party as a rational reformist, Ahn said the next presidential election will pit his party against each extreme of the spectrum held by the ruling and main opposition parties.

While preemptively declaring his ambition, Ahn added his party will keep the door open to anyone who wishes to contribute to the aim.
 
With over a year and three months remaining until the presidential election, the earlier-than-expected announcement came as the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea elected Rep. Choo Mi-ae as its new leader. 

Elected on Saturday, the five-term lawmaker was a key figure at the presidential campaign for Moon Jae-in, who was chosen against Ahn as the opposition's single candidate before the poll in 2012. 
Kim Bum-soo, KBS World Radio News.