Ahn Cheol-soo

Software tycoon Ahn Cheol-soo has denied that he wants to fund a new party or run for a National Assembly seat in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district. "I can say clearly that I have no such an intention, nor is there any such possibility," Ahn told reporters at the headquarters of his firm.

"I'm busy working at Seoul National University and preparing to launch a charity foundation. I can't afford to pay attention to anything else," he said. He is dean of the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology of Seoul National University.

The remarks suggest Ahn, who is widely tipped as a likely presidential contender, will not go into politics at least until the general elections in April are over.

He did not answer any other questions about politics or his presidential ambitions, and observers read this as leaving the presidential option open.