Ahn Cheol-soo foundation to change name

Ahn Cheol-soo

A non-profit foundation, established with money donated by Ahn Cheol-soo last year, may undergo a name change as the election watchdog warned it not to use the founder’s name in its title for the time being.

On Monday, the National Election Commission (NEC) said providing financial support or scholarships under the name of the Ahn Cheol-soo Foundation during the presidential campaign season would be a violation of the Election Law.

The NEC suggested a possible money-for-vote effect as the rationale for its decision to ban the use of Ahn’s name by the non-profit group.

According to the election watchdog, recipients of scholarships from the foundation will naturally think that they are receiving financial assistance from the Seoul National University professor.

This goes against the purpose of the law prohibiting candidates running for public office from providing voters with cash or other financial support during the presidential campaign season, the NEC said.

The election watchdog said the foundation can use Ahn’s name in its title after the election.

The NEC decision prompted staff of the foundation to mull options that comply with the Election Law.

Kang In-cheol, an attorney close to Ahn, who helped launch the foundation, said its board members will hold a meeting Thursday to search for options.

“I understand that the board members will make a decision based on the concerns raised by the NEC. The election watchdog said Ahn can establish a foundation aimed to help underprivileged people but it is not allowed to use his name until after the presidential election,” Kang said.

Some say the board members may also decide to delay the foundation’s activities until after the election, without changing the name.

Last year, Ahn donated his 150 billion worth of shares of computer vaccine provider AhnLab to create a foundation to help children from low-income families.

At that time, the information technology mogul denied any link between the donation of his wealth and political ambitions, saying he had decided to give back to the community as he owed society his success.

Ahn has yet to state whether he will join the presidential race, despite a strong showing in various polls. Last month, he said he would make a decision in the near future.

Meanwhile, close associates to Ahn launched a Facebook account aimed at countering accusations and negative public perceptions of the AhnLab founder. <The Korea Times/Kang Hyun-kyung>

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