"Undergo Investigation," "Push for Special Prosecutor Law on Chae Sang-byeong"... Opposition Sends Bill to Han Dong-hoon After Election Victory

Democratic Party "People Power Party Must Listen to the Voice of the People"
Joguk Innovation Party "The Party's Over. Investigations Must Follow"
Reform New Party "Must Keep Promise to Promote Special Prosecutor Law for Chae Sang-byeong"

On the 23rd, the opposition parties poured out critical comments regarding Han Dong-hoon’s election as the new leader of the People Power Party, stating that "public suspicion must be resolved."

Lee Hae-sik, the senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said on the day of Han’s election, "Congratulations to Han Dong-hoon on his election as party leader. I hope this will be an opportunity for the People Power Party, which has degenerated into a shield unit for the Yoon Seok-yeol government characterized by poor communication and arrogance, to open its ears to the voices of the people." He added, "In particular, we expect a progressive attitude toward the Special Prosecutor Act for the fallen Marines and the Special Prosecutor Act for Mrs. Kim Geon-hee."

He also referred to the People Power Party’s convention, which was marred by negative disputes, saying, "This convention also left many suspicions, from allegations of the president’s wife’s interference in party affairs to allegations that the Minister of Justice operated an illegal comment team, and that the Minister of Justice requested the cancellation of prosecution." He urged, "Since these suspicions were raised around the party leader, Han himself must directly resolve these public doubts."

Handonghun, the elected leader of the People Power Party, is waving the party flag at the 4th People Power Party Convention held on the 23rd at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Regarding the relationship between the party and the government, he said, "I hope Han will not be a party leader who obeys the president absolutely, but a ruling party leader who obeys the people’s orders and works for the people." He added, "We will watch together with the public to see how much the People Power Party will show a changed appearance."

The Party for National Innovation advised Han to "respond confidently" in relation to investigations and other matters.

Kim Bo-hyeop, spokesperson for the Party for National Innovation, said, "Since he was elected by an overwhelming margin in a fierce leadership race that raised concerns about a ‘self-destructive convention,’ I hope he overcomes the expected post-election aftereffects well." However, he criticized, "The celebration is over now, and only the investigations remain."

Kim said, "The Party for National Innovation filed a complaint yesterday against Han at the National Police Agency’s National Investigation Headquarters for abuse of authority and obstruction of justice related to allegations of operating a comment team or public opinion manipulation team during his time as Minister of Justice." He added, "I hope Han does not evade like a ‘lawyer worm’ and responds confidently to the investigation by the authorities."

The Reform New Party demanded the immediate proposal of the Special Prosecutor Act for Chae Sang-byeong, recommended by a third party, which Han mentioned when declaring his candidacy. Moon Seong-ho, senior spokesperson for the Reform New Party, said, "It is now time to keep the promise," and requested, "Please push forward the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act immediately." Moon added, "During the party convention, the leader showed a progressive stance by saying that the People Power Party should promote the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act," and expressed hope, "We expect him to take responsibility for his own words as a ruling party leader."