Handonghun "I Deeply Reflect Myself" Resigns from Emergency Committee Chairmanship

Korea solemnly accepts the will of the people
"Wherever we are, we will live worrying about the country"
Party leadership also resigns one after another

Han Dong-hoon, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, resigned from his position on the 11th, taking responsibility for the defeat in the April 10 general election. It has been about 100 days since he took office as the Emergency Response Committee Chairman on December 26 last year.

On the same day, Chairman Han held a press conference at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and stated, "On behalf of our party, which was insufficient to receive the people's choice, I apologize to the public. I solemnly accept the will of the people and deeply reflect on myself."

Handonghun, Emergency Response Headquarters Chief of the People Power Party, is expressing his position on the general election defeat at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 11th. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

The People Power Party suffered a complete defeat in the 22nd general election, barely surpassing the constitutional amendment prevention threshold with 108 seats. The 108 seats include those combined with the People Power Party’s satellite party for proportional representation, People’s Future.

Chairman Han said, "I congratulate all the elected members, including those from opposition parties," and requested, "Please pursue politics that align with the will of the people." He also expressed, "I offer consolation and gratitude to fellow citizens who fought fiercely and supported us, beloved party members, and our candidates who were not elected."

Chairman Han emphasized, "The cause of this election defeat lies entirely with me." When asked by reporters whether he believed the Presidential Office shared responsibility, he replied, "It is my responsibility."

Regarding his future plans, he said, "There is nothing special," and added, "Wherever I am and whatever I do, I will live worrying about the country." He stated, "I will contemplate how to regain the love of the people," and said, "Although it will not be easy, I believe that if I only look toward the people, the way will become clear."

The leadership of the People Power Party also expressed their intention to resign voluntarily. Park Jeong-ha, the senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, said on the same day, "I thank the journalists who understood and encouraged us despite our insufficient role in covering the general election," and expressed his intention to resign. Park Eun-sik, an emergency committee member who ran in Gwangju Dong-gu Nam-gu Eul, said, "I have done everything I could for the change of Gwangju, so I have no regrets," and added, "I will step down from the emergency committee and return to being an ordinary family man."