Han Donghoon Commends Jang Donghyuk's 24-Hour Filibuster
"With All His Strength... Now Is the Time for Everyone to Fight and Defend Together"
Jang Donghyuk: "No One Can Disagree With the Urgency"
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon offered a positive assessment of current leader Jang Donghyuk's 24-hour filibuster, while Han Jia, a lawmaker aligned with Han Donghoon, interpreted it as "a gesture of solidarity." On December 25, during an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Assemblywoman Han said, "Our party is not in a comfortable position. As the main opposition party, we must unite in order to provide healthy checks and balances."
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon sent a conciliatory message to current leader Jang Donghyuk, saying, "I devoted all my energy for 24 hours to block the unconstitutional law establishing a special court for rebellion cases. Thank you for your hard work." Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Assemblywoman Han added, "I hope we can join hands and move forward together into the future as comrades. Since we have never fought, there is no need to talk about extending or not extending a hand; I believe it simply means we should move forward as comrades." Regarding the possibility of Jang Donghyuk responding to Han Donghoon's message, she said, "From what I know, Jang is a warm person. I don't think it even takes courage to respond. I hope and expect he will do so."
Regarding Jang's filibuster, she commented, "I think it was remarkable. That determination and leadership are admirable." However, she also expressed concern, saying, "Some of the messages made me worry that we might once again be shackled by the past, like December 3." She continued, "Since we are the only opposition party, we have no room to spare. In the new year, we need various changes and must move forward instead of being bound by the past. We must fulfill our role as a healthy opposition party."
On the controversy surrounding the party members' message board and Han Donghoon's family, she said, "The public is not interested," and added, "If it becomes a necessary issue, I believe Han Donghoon will resolve it at the appropriate time."
On December 24, Han Donghoon wrote on social media, "Jang Donghyuk devoted all his energy for 24 hours to block the unconstitutional law establishing a special tribunal for rebellion. Thank you for your hard work. Now is the time for everyone to fight together and defend what matters." In response, Jang said, "I believe no one can disagree with the urgency and necessity of the filibuster."
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, conducted a filibuster for 24 hours starting from 11:40 AM on the 22nd regarding the bill to establish a special court for internal rebellion. Yonhap News
On December 22, starting at 11:40 a.m., Jang Donghyuk conducted a 24-hour filibuster against the bill to establish a dedicated court for insurrection cases. As the leader of the main opposition party, he became the first in parliamentary history to launch a filibuster and also set a record for the longest duration. He stated, "No matter what it is called, the martial law rebellion special tribunal is an unconstitutional special court. It is merely a tool for the majority party to handpick judges, assign them to specific cases, and produce the trial outcomes they desire."
After Jang finished his speech, it was reported that about 40 People Power Party lawmakers present in the main chamber applauded and cheered. Throughout the filibuster, People Power Party lawmakers formed groups of around 20 and took turns staying in the chamber to support Jang Donghyuk.
Justice Minister Jeong Seongho also remained in the chamber to listen to Jang's filibuster. Afterwards, he wrote on social media, "This is the reality of our politics, where dialogue and compromise have disappeared. Before blaming anyone else, I hope we can reflect on ourselves and consider what politics for the people truly means, and what parliamentary democracy should be. It is a faint hope, but one I still hold."
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