[AK Radio] Han Dong-hoon's Book Contains 'Surprisingly Remarkable' Content

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon hinted at a return to politics. On February 16, Han posted on his social media, "I am writing a book. I will see you soon." This came two months after he resigned from his leadership position on December 16 last year. Han's return is expected in early March, before the Constitutional Court concludes and delivers its ruling on President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial. This appears to be a strategic choice considering the anticipated rapid changes in the political landscape following the ruling.

Han seems to be positioning himself at the center of attention through his return message and the publication of his book. The book is said to contain content likely to become a hot topic in the political sphere. A close associate of Han said, "Han started writing the book in January. He writes well and quickly. The volume is considerable. It contains content that will attract attention." The book is expected to highlight the process of declaring and lifting martial law after December 3 last year, the tense situations at the time, and previously unknown aspects of President Yoon Seok-yeol's relationships. Han's camp has stated that they will 'confront the situation head-on.' They intend to question whether the martial law was justified, addressing the anti-impeachment sentiment formed mainly among the hardline conservatives within the People Power Party.

In December of last year, former representative Han Dong-hoon stepped down from his position and left the company.

However, opinions within the political circle regarding Han's comeback are divided. Especially among the pro-Yoon Seok-yeol group, reactions are negative. Representative Yoon Sang-hyun criticized, "Now is not the time for Han to stretch his wings," adding, "Waiting until the impeachment trial's conclusion is the least respect we can show to the president."

The political environment surrounding Han has also changed significantly. Unlike last July's party convention where he was elected leader with a high vote share of 62.8%, after the impeachment, a 'traitor' frame emerged, and his approval ratings dropped sharply. Nevertheless, former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in expressed a positive outlook, suggesting that Han's return would consolidate support.

Former Representative Han is expected to return to the political arena around early March.

Currently, the hardline conservatives within the People Power Party are rallying around former Minister Kim Moon-soo, while the moderate conservatives are coalescing around Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon. In this context, Han is expected to strongly assert the legitimacy of the impeachment, positioning himself in opposition to former Minister Kim Moon-soo, and focus his strategy on targeting the centrists, the metropolitan area, and the youth demographic (so-called 'Jungsucheong').

The message Han will deliver upon his political return and the impact of his forthcoming book are drawing attention. It will also be important to observe how this influences President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is scheduled to hold additional hearings on President Yoon's impeachment trial on the 20th of this month, with the final hearing expected to conclude by the end of the month. According to a report by Dong-A Ilbo, the constitutional justices are focusing on three main issues: procedural illegality in the declaration of martial law, attempts to seize control of the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, and orders to arrest politicians. These are key factors in determining whether President Yoon violated the constitution and laws, and the severity of such violations.

※ Click the video for more details