"Han Donghoon Considering Parliamentary By-Election Bid... Impossible if Party Membership is Suspended"

Han Donghoon: "I have no intention of running in next year's local elections"
Seo Jungwook: "Seems to be looking into Jeon Jae-soo and Kim Do-eup's constituencies"
"Likely to be expelled or suspended from the party for over a year in November"

Seo Jungwook, an attorney known to be close to former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, claimed that Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party, is considering running in next year's parliamentary by-election. In an interview on October 27 on MBC Radio's "Kwon Soonpyo's News High Kick," Seo stated, "I believe there is a 100% chance that Han is considering running." Regarding Han's earlier comment that he would not run in the local elections, Seo explained, "That is his current thinking and he was referring to the local elections, specifically the metropolitan mayoral races." Seo added, "I have heard that Han is looking into the constituencies of Jeon Jae-soo of the Democratic Party of Korea and Kim Do-eup of the People Power Party for a potential run in the parliamentary by-elections."

Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Dongju Yoon

However, Seo also noted, "As far as I know, Han is likely to face a disciplinary suspension of party membership for more than a year due to the controversy over the party members' bulletin board. If that happens, he will not be able to run." When the host asked whether the disciplinary action was certain and whether lawmakers aligned with Han would remain passive, Seo responded, "Jang Donghyuk, the party's leader, and Lee Hosun, the chair of the party audit committee, have said they will conduct a prompt and principled audit in November. Therefore, it will either result in expulsion from the party or a suspension of party membership for more than a year within November." Seo further argued, "Even those aligned with Han must secure nominations, so no one will strongly resist. Even the few lawmakers such as Bae Hyunjin, Park Junghoon, and Park Jeonga cannot side with Han, and if Han is expelled, no one will follow him out of the party."

When asked whether expelling Han would affect the local elections, Seo replied, "Han's supporters originally split from those who support both Yoon Suk-yeol and Han Donghoon, and they make up only about 5% of People Power Party supporters. These individuals do not vote for the Democratic Party of Korea during elections. Even if Han is removed, those votes will remain with us." Seo also commented, "Han has spent his entire life as a prosecutor; he is not a centrist. On the other hand, Lee Junseok has some potential for centrist expansion."

On the same day, in a CBS Radio interview on "Kim Hyunjeong's News Show," Han Donghoon drew a clear line, saying, "I have no intention of running in the local elections," when asked about speculation regarding his potential role. When asked whether he was being too hasty in declaring his intention not to run, Han replied, "I tend to speak honestly about my thoughts at the time." He added, "There is still a lot of time left until the local elections. Rather than speculating about whether I will run, it is much more productive to listen to public sentiment, pay attention, follow, and put it into practice. Let's talk about it again in June next year."

Park Jungha, a People Power Party lawmaker considered to be in Han's camp, said in an October 28 interview on MBC Radio's "Kim Jongbae's Focus" that "Han has repeatedly said in the past that he has no interest in the local elections." Park continued, "If there is a parliamentary by-election and the party creates an opportunity for him to run, I think running in the by-election would be the best option." Park added, "Given the current situation, it is difficult for Han to make a decision about six to eight months from now, so he has conveyed that he will assess the situation at that time. For now, Han believes that experiencing the lives of ordinary citizens and listening to the public should be his top priority. He thinks any return to public office should be considered only after that."