Handonghun: "I Never Requested Postponement of Party Election," Hong Junpyo: "Already Served as Party Leader Twice"

Shinpyung "Han Dong-hoon Requests Postponement of Party Convention" Claims
"Han Dong-hoon's Rival is Hong Jun-pyo" Also Claimed
Hong Jun-pyo's Chances of Running in the Convention Are Slim

Attorney Shin Pyeong stated that he heard former People Power Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon asked his close lawmakers to postpone the party convention. Attorney Shin also mentioned that if Han runs for the party leadership, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo might emerge as a rival, sparking controversy.

In a YTN radio interview on the 29th, Attorney Shin said, "From what I heard, former Chairman Han asked his close lawmakers to postpone the party convention if possible," adding, "Han likely intends to participate in the convention and become the party leader."

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@

Attorney Shin predicted, "Former Chairman Han will seek a political comeback neither too early nor too late." He continued, "I wonder who could possibly challenge Han. I have heard scenarios where someone like Hong Joon-pyo gains strong public support and faces off against Han."

In response, the parties involved seem to be distancing themselves from the claims. Former Chairman Han reportedly denied Attorney Shin's assertions, saying, "That never happened." He also expressed discomfort, reportedly asking, "Why does the media publish Attorney Shin's words?" without holding back his displeasure.

At the Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport Investment Briefing held on the 20th at the Fairmont Hotel in Seoul, Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, is delivering a greeting regarding the new airport plan. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@

Former Chairman Han has not shown any notable political moves. A People Power Party lawmaker known to be close to him said, "I haven't spoken or met with former Chairman Han recently," adding, "I have no information, so I have no idea whether he will run."

Meanwhile, Mayor Hong dismissed the speculation about running for the party leadership mentioned by Attorney Shin in an interview with Asia Economy on the same day, saying, "I have served as party leader twice." Mayor Hong served as the party leader of the Grand National Party and the Liberty Korea Party, predecessors of the People Power Party, in 2011 and 2017.