Former Chairman Han Jeon Resigns Taking Responsibility for General Election Defeat
Wreaths of Support from 'Fellow Citizens' Continue in Front of the National Assembly
Mayor Hong: "One Time Is Enough for the Wreath Game"
Former People Power Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon resigned taking responsibility for the results of the 22nd general election, and on the 15th, wreaths supporting former Chairman Han appeared in front of the National Assembly. In response, Hong Joon-pyo, the Mayor of Daegu who has recently been critical of former Chairman Han, continued his offensive by saying, "Prepare for a special investigation."
On the 15th, a wreath supporting Han Dong-hoon, former Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, was placed in front of the National Assembly Members' Hall. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On that day, a procession of wreaths expressing support for Chairman Han was arranged in front of the National Assembly's Constitution Hall. Each wreath bore phrases such as "We love Chairman Han Dong-hoon," "The people are waiting. Please come back," and "Our hope, Han Dong-hoon, we miss you." The senders included the phrase "fellow citizens," often used by former Chairman Han, along with the names of various regions. However, it was reported that the wreaths had notices from Yeongdeungpo District Office labeled "Illegal Advertisement Removal Warning Notice" attached to them.
Handonghun, Emergency Response Committee Chairman 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@
Chairman Han announced his resignation from the Emergency Response Committee Chairmanship in a press conference held on the day after the election, the 11th, after the ruling party suffered a crushing defeat by winning only 108 seats. He expressed gratitude, saying, "I also thank my fellow citizens who fought fiercely and supported us." When asked by reporters whether he would continue in politics, he replied, "I will keep the promises I made," leaving open the possibility of resuming his political career. On the 13th, he sent a message to People Power Party officials and aides, encouraging them by saying, "You all did well. I was lacking. Let's be sufficiently disappointed with the results. Then let's find out what needs to be fixed and fix it. Still, let's stay strong."
"Don't even come near our party"…Hong Joon-pyo mentions special investigation
However, Hong Joon-pyo, who has expressed discomfort toward former Chairman Han within the ruling camp, drew attention by mentioning a "special investigation" on this day. On his social media, he criticized, "One round of wreath shows is enough. Such shows no longer work. Don't even come near our party again," adding, "Quietly prepare to deal with the special investigation that will come to you." He further stated, "Would the opposition party that won a landslide victory just leave it be? You reap what you sow." The Innovation Party, which caused a political storm in this election, had earlier announced plans to push for a special investigation into Han Dong-hoon, linking allegations related to his children's admissions and the so-called 'whistleblower scandal,' thus lending support to Hong's remarks.
On the 13th, Mayor Hong also targeted former Chairman Han. He said, "During the Moon Jae-in administration, while serving as the opposition leader, I witnessed with a bleeding heart how hundreds of our people were investigated for absurd reasons, committed suicide, or were imprisoned in a reckless rampage." He criticized the People Power Party, saying, "The party and group that brought in the person who led that under the Moon Jae-in administration as Emergency Response Committee Chairman is shameless."
He added, "President Yoon Seok-yeol came into our party, achieved regime change, and led us to a great victory in local elections, but what kind of shame does Han Dong-hoon, who made us taste hell, have to become the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of this party? It was wrong from the start," and pointed out, "As long as I am in this party, I will not tolerate him."
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