Han Dong-hoon Visits Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul: "Representing the Powerless Minority is an Important Role of Politics"

Introducing the Baptismal Name Thomas Aquinas and More

Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, paid a courtesy visit to Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul on the 30th. Introducing his connection with Catholicism through past baptism anecdotes, Chairman Han also stated, "I believe that representing the powerless minority is an important role of politics."

On the same day, Chairman Han visited the Seoul Archdiocese Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon. This was his second Catholic-related schedule since assuming the position of Emergency Response Committee Chairman, following his visit to Myeongdong Cathedral to pay respects to the late Monsignor Jeong Ui-chae (baptismal name Paul), who passed away at the end of last year.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Archbishop Jeong referred to the assault incident involving People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin and said to Chairman Han, "We are all deeply divided and in conflict due to political stances, and the public is also violently split." He added, "I hope that discussions can begin within our political circles first." He then mentioned Chairman Han’s nationwide schedule, saying, "I have heard that you are listening to the diverse voices of the people, and I hope you will practice politics that listens to the small voices of those who are powerless and usually cannot speak out much."

In response, Chairman Han said, "The powerful majority will have many opportunities to be represented anyway. I believe that representing the powerless minority is an important role of politics. I will work harder and do better."

At this meeting, Chairman Han also shared that he had been baptized in the Catholic Church in the past. He said, "When I lived in Cheongju, I served as an altar server assisting Father Ham Je-do during Mass. At that time, my parents strongly encouraged me, so I received Communion and was baptized."

Chairman Han’s baptismal name was ‘Thomas Aquinas.’ He shared an anecdote, saying, "At the time, I didn’t know what it meant, but I learned that he was someone who contributed to canon law. I wondered why they gave me the name of Thomas Aquinas, who studied hard, instead of someone who devoted and sacrificed themselves." Upon hearing that People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sang-hoon, who visited the Seoul Archdiocese with Chairman Han, has the baptismal name ‘Peter,’ he also said, "I actually wanted a name like that too."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Chairman Han invited security and cleaning workers working at the Yeouido Central Party Office to lunch on the same day. When asked by reporters about the purpose of the lunch, Chairman Han replied, "I simply had a meal with those who work hard here, the ladies."