'Undercover' Han Dong-hoon to Return in 'Late February to Early March'... Speculation Grows

Cho Kyung-tae: "Changes Expected Around Lee Jae-myung's Trial on February 26"
Former Leader Han Holds Private Lunch with Pro-Han Lawmakers

Predictions are emerging that Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party who resigned from his position on December 16 last year and has been laying low for over a month, is about to make a comeback. In particular, Cho Kyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party considered a representative pro-Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon) figure, hinted that Han could make a full return to the political scene as early as late February or early March.

On the 30th of last month, Representative Cho Kyung-tae said on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' program, "I think there will be various changes in the political world around February 26, when the verdict trial for Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on election law violations is scheduled." He added, "Around that time, Lee's approval ratings will fluctuate, and there will also be changes in Han's approval ratings, which have been somewhat lagging behind those of Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo."

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, is leaving after announcing his intention to resign from the party leadership on the 16th of last month at the National Assembly. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Earlier, on the 24th of last month, fellow party member Jin Jong-oh posted a photo with former leader Han on his Facebook, writing, "I will think only of the country and go forward together." In the post, Representative Jin apologized deeply to supporters disappointed by Han's recent resignation from the Supreme Council, saying, "I will work hard."

It is known that former leader Han recently had lunch with a small group of pro-Han figures including Representative Jin. At this gathering, Han reportedly said, "Since the people are in a state of confusion, let's firmly pull ourselves together." Additionally, Han also made contact with former People Power Party Emergency Committee member Kim Kyung-yul. On the 23rd of last month, Kim said on 'CBS Radio', "I received a text from Han asking how I was doing," and added, "I got the feeling that he is deeply considering the timing of his return."

Since stepping down from the party leadership, Han has refrained from public appearances. However, since early last month, sightings of Han have occasionally been posted on the online fan cafe 'WithHooni.' On February 6, a photo of Han visiting a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul was posted, followed by a photo on the 24th of the same month showing him dining with acquaintances at a restaurant. During his period of laying low, Han is reported to have met with experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and welfare policy fields and read several related books. In political circles, there is an interpretation that Han has begun studying policies with the presidential election in mind.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.