Han: "Lost the Opportunity to Address Public Doubts... The Ruling Party Must Propose the Chae Sangbyeong Special Prosecutor Bill"
Rebuilding and Innovating Conservative Politics
Expanding Politics Toward the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Moderates, and Youth
Han: "Will Frequently Meet and Persuade the Opposition... 'Lee-Jo Judgment Theory' Was a Strategic Choice in the General Election"
Han Donghoon, former interim leader of the People Power Party, officially announced his candidacy for party leader in the July 23 convention, stating, "I will reestablish the relationship between the party and the government on a horizontal basis and pursue practical reform." He particularly emphasized that, regarding the Chae Sangbyeong special prosecutor bill-which both President Yoon and the ruling party oppose-the ruling party should take the initiative and propose a special prosecutor bill that both the ruling and opposition parties can agree upon. These remarks are interpreted as Han's attempt to differentiate himself from pro-Yoon factions while reaffirming his commitment to speaking his mind.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly's Communication Center that afternoon, Han said, "Over the past two years, the ruling party has changed its leader nine times. Many citizens questioned and criticized the excessive nature and process of these changes," he noted.
He continued, "Whenever the party needed to offer reasonable criticism or propose amendments to the government's policy direction or political decisions, it repeatedly found itself unable to even consider doing so. The people and party members were disappointed," adding, "The only group we should be mindful of now is the people. Since the People Power Party lacks a majority in the National Assembly, the only way to overcome this crisis is to win the hearts of the public."
He stressed that while the party would cooperate with the government to address key livelihood and economic issues such as high inflation, high interest rates, tax reform, and support for small business owners and the self-employed, it would not hesitate to propose amendments when necessary. When asked about his relationship with President Yoon Suk-yeol, Han said, "I firmly believe that personal relationships should not influence public decisions," and distanced himself by stating, "I believe in establishing a healthy relationship between the party and the government, and many citizens want the same."
Han: "Lost the opportunity to resolve public doubts... The ruling party must propose the Chae Sangbyeong special prosecutor bill"
After the press conference, Han met with reporters and stated regarding the Chae Sangbyeong special prosecutor bill, "If I become party leader, the People Power Party will introduce a special prosecutor bill that can uncover the truth." This stance contrasts with that of President Yoon and the ruling party, who have insisted that a special prosecutor should only be considered if the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) investigation proves insufficient.
Han first expressed his condolences, saying, "A young soldier serving the country, whether through voluntary or mandatory service, has died. One of the core aspects of national security is ensuring the safety of those who serve and dedicate themselves to the country. The ruling party must deeply reflect on this. I apologize not only to Chae Sangbyeong but also to his family and to the parents of all soldiers who have sent their children to serve in the military."
Regarding the circumstances surrounding Chae Sangbyeong's death, Han stated, "The public harbors doubts, and I believe those doubts must be resolved." He continued, "The arguments against a special prosecutor are logical both legally and politically. However, we have missed several opportunities to address the public's doubts." He further emphasized, "At this point, I don't think the People Power Party can oppose it. The party must take the lead in pursuing a special prosecutor to uncover the truth."
However, he made it clear that he cannot accept the special prosecutor bill currently being pushed by the Democratic Party and other opposition parties. Han pointed out, "The bill proposed by the Democratic Party allows the party itself to select the special prosecutor. This is like a game where the player chooses the referee, which will only lead to ongoing controversy and growing distrust." He argued, "Neither the Democratic Party, the People Power Party, nor the president should select the special prosecutor. Instead, a third party capable of ensuring a fair decision must be given that responsibility." Han cited the precedent of the "Lee Myung-bak special prosecutor," where the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recommended candidates to investigate the BBK stock manipulation allegations involving former President Lee Myung-bak.
In contrast, Han stated that it is not yet the stage to introduce a special prosecutor for the Kim Keon-hee case. He explained that the trial for the alleged stock manipulation involving Deutsche Motors is nearing a verdict in the appellate court, and regarding the luxury bag controversy, the facts have already been revealed and only a legal judgment remains. However, he added, "If I become party leader, the People Power Party will proactively recommend a special inspector without further delay. I will also strongly demand the immediate establishment of the Second Office of the Presidential Secretariat."
Rebuilding and Innovating Conservative Politics: "Expanding Politics Toward the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Moderates, and Youth"
Han also presented pledges aimed at rebuilding and innovating conservative politics. Citing Park Eunsik, who ran in Gwangju-a traditional stronghold for the opposition-and Kim Hyoeun, who ran in Osan, Han said, "Are we going to continue to recruit young talent in a rush only during election season, send them to difficult districts, and let these valuable individuals disappear after a single use?" Effectively, he proposed as a pledge the "allowance for local offices for politicians outside the National Assembly," which signals the revival of district party organizations.
He continued, "The current system discriminates against and widens the gap between incumbent lawmakers and political newcomers. If anyone with dreams and passion can participate in politics without discrimination or barriers, fresh and talented individuals will enter the political arena, and that is true political reform."
Han also mentioned plans to strengthen the policy functions of the party's think tanks, such as the Yeouido Institute, and to significantly expand capabilities by outsourcing policy and strategy to top private-sector experts in conservative and moderate circles. He argued, "This will not only make our policies and strategies more flexible but also serve as a starting point for creating a virtuous ecosystem among conservative and moderate policy and strategy experts."
He pledged to work for South Korea's sustainable growth by enhancing competitiveness in science and technology, energy policy, and attracting AI semiconductor data centers. Han stated, "We should not be fighting within the narrow confines of Yeouido, wielding words like 'boycott,' 'enforcement,' and 'blockade.' Our battles should be fought more fiercely on a broader stage. That is the mandate given to the government, the ruling party, and the opposition by the people."
Han: "Will frequently meet and persuade the opposition... 'Lee-Jo Judgment Theory' was a strategic choice in the general election"
Han pledged to become a focal point for overcoming the challenges posed by the opposition's majority, stating, "I will frequently meet, debate, and persuade the opposition. With confidence in our own strength, I will build a strong and victorious ruling party."
In response to a reporter's question about how he would engage in dialogue with the opposition, given that the "Lee-Jo Judgment Theory" (calling for judgment against Lee Jae-myung and Cho Kuk) was raised in the last general election but the Democratic Party and the Rebuilding Korea Party have since solidified their leadership under Lee Jae-myung and Cho Kuk, Han said, "We took a break from politics for a general election that was like a war, but now it is time to return to politics. I will make every effort to persuade the opposition, and when necessary, I will also allow myself to be persuaded."
Addressing criticism from within the ruling party that the "Lee-Jo Judgment Theory" was a strategic mistake in the last general election, Han responded, "I made that choice strategically in a situation that was deteriorating rapidly, and it is worth examining whether any other strategy would have been possible at that point." The situation Han referred to is interpreted as the period when a series of unfavorable issues for the ruling party arose, such as the "green onion controversy," the "departure of former Ambassador Lee Jongseop to Australia," and the "expansion of medical school quotas."
When asked how the party should respond to the next local and presidential elections, Han said, "Regardless of who becomes party leader, if that person is evaluated as the strongest representative of our supporters and as a candidate who can win the presidential election, then anyone should act to qualify as a presidential candidate." When asked about his own presidential ambitions, Han emphasized, "If I were thinking about three years from now, I wouldn't have come forward now. At this moment, I am only considering what will be of even the slightest help to the party and our camp." Regarding the so-called "limitations of an out-of-parliament leader," Han responded, "Judging solely by parliamentary standards is shortsighted. Wasn't Na Kyungwon the one who twice attempted to run from outside the National Assembly? What matters now is having a party leader who can respond to public sentiment, adapt, and lead."
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