Ahn Cheol-soo's New Book Hints at Presidential Ambitions

Software tycoon Ahn Cheol-soo strongly hints at his presidential ambitions in a new book published Thursday. Though Ahn has not declared his candidacy, he is far and away the frontrunner among progressive hopefuls.

The book details Ahn's views on welfare, economic policies, job creation, education and other issues.

"This book is the first step in telling people about what I think about politics and plan to do," Ahn writes. "If people find that they cannot agree with me, then I do not qualify, but if there are more who agree, then I have no choice but to push ahead."

"My plan was merely to serve as a sounding board for public opinion about politicians, but after the April 11 general election ended in defeat for the opposition, I could feel rising public expectations about me and had to put serious thought into the matter," Ahn adds.

The Democratic United Party has welcomed the comments, reading them as an announcement of Ahn's candidacy, even though Ahn refused to join the DUP ahead of the general election.

Ahn plans to hold a press conference next week launching the book and is apparently considering whether to use the event to announce his political plans. He also finished recording an episode of the popular SBS TV talk show "Healing Camp." It airs next week.

The ruling Saenuri Party's presidential candidate Park Geun-hye and the DUP's presidential hopeful Moon Jae-in appeared on "Healing Camp" earlier this year.