Han Donghun: "Politicians Who Believe in Election Fraud Should Not Hide, Debate Me Directly"

At a People Power Party Debate, Remarks Defending Election Fraud Made
Han: "Election Fraud Conspiracy Theories Must End Within the People Power Party"
Song Eonseok: "This Has Nothing to Do With Our Party"

Han Donghun, former leader of the People Power Party, proposed on the 16th, "If there are People Power Party politicians who believe in or defend election fraud conspiracy theories, they should not hide behind far-right forces but come forward under their own names and debate with me."

On this day, Han stated on his social networking service (SNS) Facebook, "Let's put an end to election fraud conspiracy theories within the People Power Party," making this suggestion.

On the afternoon of May 29, in front of Chungjangno Post Office in Donggu, Gwangju, Han Donghun, former leader of the People Power Party, is campaigning. Photo by Yonhap News

Han said, "When I was ousted from the position of party leader of the People Power Party on December 16 last year, my final message was that the party must resolutely cut off election fraud conspiracy theories," adding, "Back then, and even now, it is extremely difficult to make such a direct rebuttal against election fraud conspiracy theories within the People Power Party."

He continued, "This is because there are irresponsible politicians who try to protect their own vested interests by bringing in and empowering a handful of far-right forces that promote election fraud conspiracy theories," and added, "Recently, it has reached the point where a large number of the party's top leadership have attended events promoting election fraud conspiracy theories."

Han reiterated, "Unfortunately, our People Power Party has failed to cut off election fraud conspiracy theories," and stressed again, "If we delay any longer, there is no future for the People Power Party."

Previously, Jeon Hangil, a former history lecturer, attended a debate titled "Is There a New Path for the People Power Party?" hosted by lawmaker Jang Donghyuk of the People Power Party the previous day. There, he mentioned the election fraud theory and said, "If this is not resolved, the conservative right will not be able to take power in local, general, or presidential elections."

On July 14, at an emergency debate titled "What Should Be Done? For Free Republican Reset Korea," hosted by lawmaker Yoon Sanghyun of the People Power Party, Jeon also stated, "'Election fraud' is a taboo word within the People Power Party," and added, "Is there anyone who wants to be elected through election fraud next year? This must be corrected properly."

Party leadership, including Song Eonseok, chairman of the Emergency Response Committee and floor leader of the People Power Party, also attended the debate. As a result, there have been criticisms both inside and outside the party that the People Power Party is not pursuing innovation but is instead regressing by defending the emergency martial law measures of former President Yoon Sukyeol and election fraud theories.

At a press briefing at the National Assembly on this day, Chairman Song dismissed the controversy, saying, "This has nothing to do with our party at all."

Chairman Song explained, "I attended the debate but left immediately after giving a greeting. I later heard that some of the remarks made by participants did not meet public expectations," and added, "It seems that even lawmaker Yoon did not anticipate that the speaker would make such comments at the event."