Former Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, has effectively resumed his political activities while maintaining distance from President Yoon Suk-yeol. However, divisions within the ruling party seem inevitable as there are criticisms that Han should also take responsibility for the crushing defeat in the general election. The gap between President Yoon and Han is also widening.
Handonghun, Emergency Response Headquarters Chief of the People Power Party, is entering the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on the 11th to make a statement regarding the general election defeat. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@
On the 21st, Jeong Hee-yong, the chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, stated, "Yoon Jae-ok, the acting party leader of the People Power Party, was offered a lunch meeting with Han Dong-hoon’s emergency committee by the presidential office on the 19th," adding, "The schedule has not been finalized." However, it is known that Han declined the lunch proposed by President Yoon due to health reasons.
On the 20th, Han posted on Facebook, "The only ones politicians should not betray are you, the people," and added, "Efforts to correct mistakes are not betrayal but courage." He also emphasized, "I believe that when sophisticated and vigorous leadership meets the understanding and support of the people, we can overcome difficulties," and "I will take time to study and reflect to become more sophisticated." This was a rebuttal to Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo’s criticism that Han was "someone who even betrayed President Yoon."
Han hinted at continuing his political career even after resigning as emergency committee chairman on the 11th, taking responsibility for the general election defeat. At that time, Han said, "I will contemplate how to regain the love of the people."
Since Han released a public statement just 10 days after stepping down as emergency committee chairman, there is an interpretation that his chances of running in the upcoming party leadership election have increased. The timing of Han’s return also varies depending on the next leadership structure. If the party opts for an 'innovative' emergency committee instead of a 'management-type' one, there is speculation that he might return to frontline politics in the second half of this year, considering the timing of the party leadership election. The party leadership election could be held as early as August or delayed until the end of the year. For Han, a delay in the leadership election would be advantageous in determining his return timing.
On the other hand, if a management-type emergency committee led by floor leader Yoon Jae-ok is formed, the next party leadership election is likely to be held by the end of June at the latest. This is because the party needs to hold the election as soon as possible to normalize itself and elect a new party leader. This plan is supported mainly by pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk-yeol) 22nd general election winners and senior advisors. The rules for the party leadership election are also a variable. The management-type emergency committee is likely to apply the current rule of 100% party member votes, while the innovative emergency committee may apply regulations including at least 30% public opinion polls.
On the afternoon of the 7th, Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, is giving a greeting speech at the celebration event for the passage of the Moonlight Railroad Special Act at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News
However, if Han returns, it is expected to lead to divisions within the ruling party. Voices are already emerging within the party that Han should also take responsibility for the election defeat. Lawyer Shin Pyeong criticized on Facebook the day before, "The biggest cause of this general election defeat was Han’s overconfidence in his abilities," adding, "His political capabilities cannot compare to those of Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party."
On the other hand, former People Power Party emergency committee member Kim Kyung-yul rebutted on CBS Radio the same day, "What did Han do to betray President Yoon?" Former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Young-woo defended Han on Facebook the day before, saying, "Who can throw stones at Han?" and "Han’s campaign support helped prevent despair and division among conservatives."
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