Handonghun "9 Public Official Impeachments All Dismissed... Lee Jaemyung Must Apologize Humbly to the People" (Comprehensive)

The Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion against Han Duck-soo, Acting President and Prime Minister, while Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, stated that "the Democratic Party of Korea should sincerely apologize."

On the 24th, at an invited lecture hosted by the Industry-Academia-Research Forum and Seoul National University College of Medicine CEO Policy Course at a hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Han told reporters, "All nine impeachment motions led by the Democratic Party against government officials have been dismissed," expressing this view.

Regarding the Democratic Party's decision to proceed with the impeachment of Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Economy and Finance, Han said, "They are trying to eliminate the economic command center. I am worried about how serious the consequences will be," and criticized, "The Democratic Party does not think about this country." On whether the dismissal of the impeachment motion against Acting President Han would affect the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, he said, "South Korea is a country with a system," adding, "The Constitutional Court will likely make a decision soon. I believe they will make a ruling consistent with the Constitution and its spirit."

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon is answering questions from the press before his lecture at the Industry-Academia-Research Forum held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News

Han also criticized the 'pay more, receive more' national pension reform plan agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties as a "fundamental reform with incorrect content." When asked if his position had changed after previously expressing agreement with fundamental reform shortly after assuming leadership, he replied, "Not at all. Prioritizing fundamental reform is a possible choice." However, he emphasized, "The reform currently led and passed by the Democratic Party unfairly burdens and exploits the younger generation." He continued, "Some say that the insufficient reform can be supplemented by structural reform, but how can structural reform correct fundamental reform when the basics are unfair?" adding, "It cannot be corrected. (Acting President Han) must exercise his veto power."

Earlier, immediately after the dismissal decision regarding Acting President Han, the former leader also expressed similar views on his Facebook, stating, "I hope he does his best as Acting President to stabilize state affairs." He criticized, "The impeachment motion against the Prime Minister was reckless and irresponsible from the start. Now, the impeachment motions against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s cabinet members, prosecutors, and heads of independent agencies have all ended in nine consecutive defeats," and said, "Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party should bow before the people and apologize for no longer pursuing further impeachment motions." He also urged, "The impeachment motion against Deputy Prime Minister Choi must be withdrawn immediately," warning, "If you tie the hands and feet of the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy and then talk about recovery of people’s livelihoods and the economy, you will only be ridiculed by the public."

Meanwhile, at the lecture that day, Han spoke on the topic of "Politics for the AX (Artificial Intelligence Transformation) Era." He said that the next three to five years will be a critical period determining success or failure in the AI revolution to stay ahead of competing countries, emphasizing, "It is important that politics accurately understands the essence of technology and supports it selflessly."