Kim Accused of Orchestrating Attacks on Han Donghoon During Last Year's Party Leadership Election
On May 22, former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon directly criticized Daenam Kim, former presidential office administrator, who announced his withdrawal from the Democratic Party of Korea's election campaign committee. Han said, "For someone like Daenam Kim to join Lee Jaemyung's camp and then, when the mood turns unfavorable, claim to support our party again, is an insult to our party and its supporters."
Han stated on Facebook that morning, "Kim was someone who, in the presidential office, was considered part of the so-called Kim Keonhee line," referring to the first lady's circle.
Han further pointed out, "During last year's People Power Party leadership primary, Kim held a key position in one candidate's camp and incited a far-left YouTuber to attack me. The explicit recording of this was made public."
At the time, Kim was recorded in a phone call with the YouTube channel 'Seoul's Voice,' saying, "First Lady Kim Keonhee is so distressed because of Han that she feels desperate. If we plan well and attack Han this time, the First Lady will be pleased."
Han also stated, "However, when I, as party leader, announced last October that I would investigate Daenam Kim's incitement to attack, that candidate instead brazenly accused me of 'party disloyalty.' Many believe that after the Daenam Kim incitement incident, former President Yoon's side further concretized their martial law plans."
Na Kyungwon, who ran against Han in the party leadership primary, said on CBS Radio last October, "Even if disciplinary action is taken to prevent such things from happening internally again, it should be handled quietly. Han's repeated public statements have only escalated the issue, causing damage to our side. Making such a commotion itself could be considered disloyalty."
Han further emphasized, "There have always been people in our party who play the victim and engage in brazen politics, and to some extent, this has worked. In the process, the essence has become blurred and the party has deteriorated. If we do not overcome the old politics that have ruined the People Power Party, there is no future for the party."
Previously, Kim became the first former member of the Yongsan presidential office to join the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, but he announced his withdrawal in less than a day. In his statement, he said, "In the face of the unfortunate reality of a divided Korea, I hope that power will gather around a leader who can open an era of national unity and fully uphold the values of liberal democracy." He explained his withdrawal by saying, "I was deeply disappointed by the Democratic Party's factional and cynical attitude toward national unity."
He added, "While I understand the sincerity of those who invited me to join the Democratic Party's campaign committee, I believe now is the time for me to return to my place. I will quietly return to my daily life, supporting candidate Moonsoo Kim, who can restore the lives of struggling citizens and the values of liberal democracy."
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