Statement Released via Social Media
Promises "Reform Alliance" Instead of Running
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon has decided not to run in the upcoming party convention to elect the next party leader.
On July 24, Han announced on social media that he would not run for the party leadership election, stating, "Instead of running, I will work with party members to renew our politics and rebuild the party."
Han said, "I have repeatedly considered how our party can stop moving backward and regain the public's trust," adding, "I believe the path to further learning and growth as a politician ultimately lies in the field." He stated that instead of running in the convention, he would begin efforts to form a "reform alliance." He emphasized, "If regressive forces form a 'far-right scrum,' then we must create a 'reform alliance of hope' and move forward," and added, "I will embrace and unite those who reflect on the past and are willing to join the path of reform."
Opinions within Han's own faction were divided over whether he should run, and it appears that both internal and external circumstances influenced his final decision. Given that the conditions for the "party innovation" Han has advocated have not been established, next year's local elections are expected to be challenging. If the party were to lose in the local elections, he would inevitably face calls for accountability, which could also jeopardize his political future.
With Han's decision not to run, observers say that a key variable in the party convention lineup has disappeared. Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and former presidential candidate, pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) lawmaker Jang Donghyuk, former Innovation Committee Chair Ahn Cheolsoo, and pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) lawmaker Cho Kyungtae are sharply divided over their positions on impeachment. Meanwhile, on this day, first-term lawmaker Joo Jinwoo officially declared his candidacy for party leader.
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