Pro-Han Lawmakers Warn of Campaign Suspension Over Appointment of Pro-Yoon Yoon Sanghyun to Election Committee

Cho Kyungtae Criticizes Appointment of Yoon Sanghyun as Election Committee Co-Chair
Says, "I am truly curious about the intention behind making such a reckless move at the very end of the election campaign"

Members of the pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) faction within the People Power Party strongly objected to the appointment of Yoon Sanghyun, a key aide to former President Yoon Sukyeol, as co-chair of the party’s election campaign committee, with some even mentioning the possibility of suspending their election activities in protest.

Yoon Sanghyun, a member of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference on current issues at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

Cho Kyungtae, a People Power Party lawmaker considered part of the pro-Han faction, criticized the appointment of Yoon Sanghyun via Facebook on May 27, saying, "I am truly curious about the intention behind making such a reckless move at the very end of the election campaign."

Cho stated, "This is tantamount to appointing the impeached former President Yoon Sukyeol, and it is equivalent to declaring the abandonment of the election," adding, "It is a betrayal of party members and the People Power Party, and I consider it a call to stop campaigning."

He went on to declare, "If this decision is not immediately withdrawn, I will suspend my election campaign as of this moment."

Other pro-Han lawmakers also voiced their opposition. Park Jungha wrote on Facebook, "Appointing Yoon Sanghyun as co-chair of the election committee? Once again, we are moving backward. It is discouraging." Han Jia also criticized, "They are once again pouring cold water on our desperate efforts for victory."

Until now, former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon and pro-Han lawmakers have emphasized that, for a presidential election victory, the party must sever ties with former President Yoon and his spouse, and move away from controversies over martial law and impeachment.

Previously, the People Power Party’s Central Election Committee announced late the previous night the additional appointment of Yoon Sanghyun as co-chair of the election committee. Yoon is a prominent member of the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Sukyeol) faction and has consistently opposed the impeachment of former President Yoon.