Han Donghoon Signals Candidacy for Next Year in MBN Interview
"Considering Every Means to Achieve Good Politics"
On Prosecutor Disciplinary Moves: "Democratic Party's Brazen Hypocrisy"
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon has stated, regarding his potential candidacy in next year's local elections, that he will "pursue the path of a politician to the end." In an interview with MBN's "Jeong Un-gap's In-Depth Analysis" on the 16th, Han said, "I am someone who even considered running for president to build a better country," and added, "I have a strong determination to create a better world through politics, and I will see it through to the end."
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon expressed his intention to run in next year's local elections, stating that he will "pursue the path of a politician to the end." Yonhap News
Han further stated, "Unlike some, I have never deserted; I have continued my political career within the People Power Party," and emphasized, "I want to create a better country, and I am willing to devote myself to that cause." This was a veiled criticism of former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo, who left the People Power Party during the last presidential election and has since been critical of Han. However, regarding whether he would run for a metropolitan mayoral election or a parliamentary by-election, Han said, "For example, the Korean War broke out in June 1950, so there was no need to discuss the 1951 election in advance." He continued, "People with common sense and thoughtful minds must come together, speak out, and take action. If we do things right, this will become Uldolmok; if not, this crossroads will become Hwangsanbeol."
When the host remarked that Han seemed to be hinting at a candidacy, Han responded, "Why should someone like me, who wants to serve the people through good politics, declare that I will not run?" He added, "I am considering all options as means to achieve good politics."
On the same morning, Han also posted on his social media, "Even now, there are members of the People Power Party and politicians who put the people first and are determined to do their jobs," and urged, "At this critical juncture to prevent dictatorship, please support them so they can stay focused and do their work properly. They will become your tools and weapons. I, too, will devote myself alongside them."
Democratic Party members Moon Geumju (right), Baek Seunga, and Kim Hyunjung submitted the bill to abolish the Prosecutor Discipline Act and the partial amendment bill to the Prosecutors' Office Act on the 14th at the National Assembly Secretariat in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Regarding the Democratic Party's move to abolish the Prosecutor Discipline Act, which would allow for the dismissal of prosecutors as a disciplinary measure, Han stated, "The prosecution should have withstood external pressure, and because they failed to do so, they deserve criticism." However, he added, "If the public criticizes them, it should be along the lines of, 'We guaranteed your status to protect our assets worth hundreds of billions, so why couldn't you withstand the pressure?' But for the Democratic Party, which was the party exerting the pressure, to now say, 'Why are you screaming when we beat you, and we're going to remove your job security,' is the height of hypocrisy."
Han also argued, "The Democratic Party is declaring its support for the Daejang-dong group by saying it will demote prosecutors who opposed dropping the Daejang-dong appeal," and asserted, "This is a political blunder that will make moderate citizens clearly recognize that 'Daejang-dong is indeed Lee Jaemyung's crime.'"
The government is reportedly considering reassigning the 18 chief prosecutors who issued a statement opposing the decision to drop the Daejang-dong appeal to positions as regular prosecutors. The Democratic Party is also demanding that these chief prosecutors be subject to inspection and disciplinary action. On the 17th, Justice Minister Jeong Seongho stated on his way to work at the government complex in Gwacheon, "The most important thing is for the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution to remain stable for the people," and added, "We are carefully considering what the best course of action would be."
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