Han Gil Jeon Hints at Supreme Council Run: "Joined With Tens of Thousands, Will Mobilize Hundreds of Thousands of Party Members"

News of Han Gil Jeon's Party Admission Revealed Late Last Month
Hints at Possible Run for Supreme Council Election
"Keep Martial Law Supporters Away" Sparks Intra-Party Backlash

It was belatedly revealed that Han Gil Jeon (real name: Jeon Yugwan), a Korean history instructor who led rallies opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol while advocating the "election fraud theory," made a surprise entry into the People Power Party last month. This has sparked strong backlash within the party. Amidst this, Jeon hinted at the possibility of running for the Supreme Council, stating, "If only candidates who declare they will distance themselves from former President Yoon Suk Yeol appear at the party convention, I will step in myself to protect Yoon Suk Yeol," which is expected to stir further controversy.

Korean history instructor Han Gil Jeon is entering the "Citizens Protecting Citizens! National Investigation Team Launch Ceremony" held on the 16th at the International Conference Hall of the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In a phone interview with Herald Economy on the 18th, when asked about his intention to run for the Supreme Council election, Jeon said, "I will watch the situation," and added, "If only candidates who declare they will distance themselves from former President Yoon Suk Yeol appear at the party convention, I will step in myself to protect Yoon Suk Yeol." He further emphasized, "I will support party leadership candidates who say they will protect former President Yoon," and declared, "Whoever embraces Han Gil Jeon will become the party leader."

When asked whether he was currently discussing a possible run with party insiders, Jeon replied, "Not at all," and added, "As an ordinary party member, I align myself with fellow ordinary members." Jeon also criticized former Emergency Response Committee member Kim Yongtae, who had criticized his entry into the party, saying, "That is not within the authority of Representative Kim Yongtae. It is a rude remark that disregards ordinary party members."

Jeon joined the People Power Party online on June 9, shortly after the presidential election. At the time, he used his real name (Jeon Yugwan), so his entry was not known, but he revealed it later on the 14th by attending a forum at the National Assembly. At that time, Jeon stated, "I am making it official. I have also joined the People Power Party as a member," and added, "People may wonder if Han Gil Jeon is trying to run for the National Assembly, but that is not the case." He continued, "I will not run for an elected position," and emphasized, "I will only support the conservative right to prosper."

On the same day, in a phone interview with Korea Economic Daily, Jeon said, "I will mobilize hundreds of thousands of responsible party members to help elect the party leader and Supreme Council members that the people want," and added, "(The number of people who joined the party with me) is at least tens of thousands."

There is growing criticism within the People Power Party regarding Jeon's entry. On the 17th, former Emergency Response Committee member Kim Yongtae stated on Facebook, "The entry of Jeon and other forces advocating for martial law into the People Power Party must not be allowed," and demanded, "I urge Emergency Response Committee Chair and Floor Leader Song Eon Seok to immediately reject the entry of those advocating for martial law." He emphasized, "Our party must sever ties with extreme forces who support martial law by invoking former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife or the Gye Mong Ryeong, as they are not true conservatives but pseudo-conservatives." He continued, "The party leadership must make a decision so that Jeon and other martial law advocates do not come near the People Power Party," and stressed, "The People Power Party is a healthy conservative party that upholds the spirit of the Constitution."

Former leader Han Donghoon also stated on Facebook on the same day, "We must consider how the public will view the admission of figures like Jeon, who are icons of election fraud conspiracy theories and 'Yoon Suk Yeol Again,'" and added, "Our People Power Party does not support election fraud conspiracy theories." Previously, Representative Ahn Cheolsoo also commented, "Are we really going to let pro-Jeon Han Gil party leaders and floor leaders sink the party into the 'rebellion party,' 'martial law party,' or 'Yoon Again party'?" Innovation Committee member Yoon Heesook, after attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting, told reporters, "We cannot prevent people from joining as party members," but also pointed out, "Amplifying individual voices is the role of politicians, and the actions of those politicians are making our party more precarious."