Handonghun Appears at Gangnam Starbucks... January Return Rumors Stir

Han Dong-hoon Gangnam Starbucks Sighting Sparks Buzz
Early Presidential Election Possibility Revives 'Sighting Politics'?
'January Return Rumors' in Focus… Pro-Faction Says "Nothing Decided"

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon spotted at a Starbucks store in Gangnam on the 6th. With Hoonie

Reports of sightings of former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, who has been keeping a low profile after stepping down from his party leadership position amid internal pressure to take responsibility for the National Assembly's passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol, are drawing attention.

On the 7th, several photos along with a post claiming to have seen former leader Han at a Starbucks store in Gangnam the previous day were uploaded to 'WithHooni,' Han's official fan cafe. In the photos, former leader Han was seen wearing a neat black coat and smiling while ordering a drink. The person who posted the sighting wrote, "It’s a relief to see the leader’s expression looking relaxed and that he appears to have gained some weight."

Supporters who saw the photos responded warmly, saying things like, "Just seeing his back brings tears to my eyes," "I miss the leader," "It’s such a relief to see him looking well," "Which store is this? If I hang around there, maybe I can see him," "I’m curious about what drink he ordered," "So the leader likes Starbucks too," "I’m jealous. Since you saw the leader, I think this year will be a big success," "I really want to meet him too," and "The leader whose name alone brings tears to my eyes."

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon spotted at a library in Seoul last May. Photo by DC Inside

Even during the period of low profile following the crushing defeat in last April’s general election, various sightings of former leader Han on online communities attracted attention. After resigning from the position of emergency committee chairman, he was spotted at Yangjae Library in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and there were reports of him taking 'selfies' with supporters, leading to the phrase 'sighting politics' being associated with his movements. This pattern seems to be repeating this time as well. Amid speculation about his presidential candidacy, reports of his 'sightings' have started to emerge again. Former chairman Han is considered one of the potential dark horses in the ruling party who could run if an early presidential election is held.

Former leader Han has maintained a low profile for about 20 days since his resignation on the 16th of last month, but rumors of a 'January comeback' have circulated. He has not appeared on social media since his resignation, but he left a comment saying "Thank you" on a post by former People Power Party spokesperson Song Young-hoon’s SNS, sparking speculation that he might still be active. Additionally, on the 29th of last month, he posted on social media regarding the Jeju Air disaster, saying, "I hope the fire authorities do their best to save even one more person," which further fueled the speculation.

However, within the pro-Han faction, the atmosphere regarding the 'January comeback' is that "nothing has been decided." Considering that the mainstream of the People Power Party is critical of former leader Han and that the impeachment trial and investigation of President Yoon are still in the early stages, it is considered "premature" for Han to take the forefront. On the 6th, Kim Jong-hyuk, a former Supreme Council member of the People Power Party from the pro-Han faction, appeared on KBS Radio’s 'Jeonggyeok Sisa' and said regarding the possibility of Han resuming political activities in January, "(We) are communicating with him, but he has not stated when or how he will come out," adding, "However, considering various factors, he will resume activities anyway. He will not just live in seclusion."