Handonghun: "Jaemyeong's Village? Won't Engage in Fandom Politics... Must Understand the Subject Well"

"Withhooni, Not Political by Nature"

Han Dong-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for party leader, pledged not to engage in politics reliant on 'fandoms.' He specifically pointed out the fan community of former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, called ‘Jaemyeongine Maeul,’ stating, “I will not do something like that.”

Handonghun, the People Power Party's representative candidate, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Yeouido camp office in Seoul. Photo by Huh Younghan younghan@

On the afternoon of the 5th, during YTN Radio’s ‘Shin Yul’s News Face-off,’ when the host mentioned that Han was the only party leadership candidate with a ‘fandom,’ Han recalled, “It didn’t arise from doing politics. During the latter part of the Moon Jae-in administration, I was under a lot of pressure. I almost went to prison due to the Channel A incident, and I remember that’s when people started gathering.” This was interpreted as emphasizing that his fandom did not have a political nature from the start.

He added, “Men of our age need to understand the situation well. I know very well that people didn’t gather because I am extremely charming or because they like me a lot,” and said, “I think they gathered because they sympathized with the position, direction, and stance I have held toward society.” He also explained, “I believe that if I deviate even slightly here, these people could disappear at any time. I also know that right now, they are more subjects of criticism and surveillance rather than encouragement and support.”

He particularly stated that he would avoid models like ‘Jaemyeongine Maeul.’ “I was advised that fan clubs and cafes tend to increase tenfold when the person themselves joins and posts there,” he said, referring to “Lee Jae-myung’s ‘Jaemyeongine Maeul’ as such a case.” He clearly stated, “When I started politics and served as the emergency committee chairman, someone gave me that advice, but I intend not to do that.” He explained, “While there may be positive mutual influences, I think there could also be negative effects.”

As of the 6th, the number of members in Han’s Naver fan club cafe ‘Withhooni’ was confirmed to be about 87,000. Considering that before the April 10 general election, the fan cafe membership was around 18,000, this represents an increase of about five times.