"Need for a 'Star' to Lead Seoul Metropolitan Area Elections"
Minister Han Dong-hoon Encourages Running in Tough Districts
Cheon Ha-ram, chairman of the People Power Party's Suncheon Gap district, addressed rumors about Han Dong-hoon being drafted for the general election, saying, "There is quite a bit of speculation about him heading straight to the Seoul mayoral race."
On the 12th, Cheon appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's Focus" and said, "Of course, he wants to be a member of the National Assembly, but given how much his stature has risen, there is advice from those around him questioning whether he should start as a first-term lawmaker."
He continued, "Some suggest going straight to the presidential election, but even if not, there are talks that the Seoul mayor position might be more appropriate," adding, "I don't agree, but there are comments that if he becomes a lawmaker, he might just become 'one of them.'"
However, Cheon placed more weight on the possibility of Han being drafted for the general election rather than running for Seoul mayor. This is because the People Power Party currently needs a figure capable of leading the metropolitan area elections.
Cheon Haram, Chairman of the People Power Party Suncheon Gap District Committee. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Cheon said, "The People Power Party clearly needs a star," adding, "Some even use the term 'celebrity,' but from the perspective that a representative face capable of leading the Seoul metropolitan elections is necessary, the party cannot help but utilize Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon." He continued, "If things go this way, Minister Han will inevitably be drafted," and noted, "There seems to be a growing belief that he needs to create some kind of momentum."
He then advised Minister Han to run in a challenging district to alleviate the 'prosecutor frame.' He said, "Depending on how he runs, the frame is set. Originally, I thought it wouldn't matter if Minister Han ran in Gangnam. He actually fits well in Gangnam and has a sophisticated, elite vibe that Gangnam residents would likely appreciate."
Cheon emphasized, "With the president's approval rating slightly wavering as it is now, there is a risk that he could become a symbol of 'the regime's number two walking the red carpet,' 'a flower path while preparing for succession,' or 'prosecutorial favoritism.' If the atmosphere heads that way, the only way to change it is to run in a tough district."
He added, "It's not about being favored because he's the number two or a prosecutor, but rather going to a politically difficult area, proving his ability, and surviving?that frame could make a difference. For example, he could go to Mapo in Seoul and compete against Jeong Cheong-rae of the Democratic Party, or go to Ansan in Gyeonggi Province and try to defeat Kim Nam-guk of the Democratic Party. He needs to set such themes."
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