Handonghun on the Petition Demanding His Withdrawal: "Just Do It"

"I Will Overcome the Old Practices of Yeonpanjang"

Han Dong-hoon, the People Power Party's representative candidate, said on the 7th regarding some non-incumbent party district committee chairpersons pushing for a press conference urging his withdrawal, "Don't cancel the petition just because public opinion is bad and you're surprised; just go ahead like last time."

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

On the same day, Han stated on Facebook, "Some politicians, including election commissioners, are preparing a press conference this afternoon demanding my resignation because I publicly demanded an apology instead of using private channels."

He added, urging them to proceed with the petition as planned, "Let's let the people and party members see clearly," and said, "I will overcome the old-fashioned petition culture. I will change together with party members and the people."

It was reported that some non-incumbent party district committee chairpersons contacted other committee chairpersons the day before to ask whether they would join the press conference calling for Han's withdrawal. This is related to the controversy over Kim Geon-hee's luxury bag acceptance and the Telegram message she sent to Han, who was then the emergency response committee chairman, expressing her intention to apologize to the public, which Han allegedly ignored.

Party leadership contenders and party insiders critical of Han have been intensifying their criticism of him, linking the controversy over Kim's message and the responsibility for the general election defeat.