From 'Eyewitness Account' to 'Afterstory'... Han Dong-hoon on the Verge of Political Comeback [Political Spotlight]

Sightings at Cafes and Libraries by Citizens
Meetings with Key Figures Revealed Later
Similar Pattern to Post-Resignation Period
Full-Fledged Return Expected After Final Hearing
of President Yoon's Impeachment Trial

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon was reported to have met with various political figures inside and outside the political circle around the recent Lunar New Year holiday. As Han's characteristic eyewitness politics and subsequent political anecdotes emerged, attention in the political world is focused on when he will resume his public activities.

Although Han has not made any public appearances since resigning as party leader in December last year, there is no disagreement that he remains a potential frontrunner in the ruling party. If the political landscape changes due to an early presidential election, the People Power Party cannot win without securing moderate public support, making Han’s political choices?who has been at odds with President Yoon Suk-yeol?a subject of keen interest in Yeouido politics.

According to ruling party sources on the 6th, Han met consecutively last month with former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in, conservative commentator Jo Gap-je, head of ‘Jogapje.com,’ and veteran opposition figure Yoo In-tae, former Secretary-General of the National Assembly. Han reportedly sought advice on the impeachment trial situation of President Yoon and his future political moves.

On the 6th of last month, a photo of Han visiting a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul, was posted on his fan cafe ‘With Hooni,’ followed by a photo taken at a restaurant with acquaintances on the 24th of the same month. Recently, individual meetings with political figures were revealed belatedly, fueling speculation that his return is imminent.

Han, who stepped down as People Power Party emergency committee chairman on April 12 last year citing the April 10 general election defeat, had been laying low but was spotted by citizens around June at places such as Yangjae Library in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and later met with former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong, marking the beginning of his public activities.

Han also met last month with ruling party lawmakers and figures classified as his close aides, including People Power Party lawmaker Jin Jong-oh, sharing meals together. It is known that he continues to communicate individually with them through phone calls recently.

A close aide from the ‘Chinhan’ (pro-Han Dong-hoon) faction told Asia Economy, “Since Han does not have an office yet, he mostly spends time at home,” adding, “He usually reads and studies, and goes out to meet people when he has appointments.” Han is also known to be meeting with experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and welfare policy, as well as reading related books.

However, considering the ongoing Constitutional Court impeachment trial of President Yoon, the ‘Chinhan’ faction views as unlikely the recent speculation by People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sang-wook in a CBS radio interview that Han might make a comeback this weekend or next week.

One ‘Chinhan’ lawmaker predicted, “Han will have more freedom of movement only after the final hearing of the impeachment trial is over.” Another close aide said, “When he returns, he needs to come out with visions that can be recognized by his supporters, and now is the time to prepare for that.”

Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, is giving a statement after the resolution to lift the martial law was passed early morning on the 4th at the National Assembly. President Yoon Seok-yeol declared martial law in an emergency statement on the night of the 3rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min