Han Donghoon Says "I Will Return"... People Power Party Divided Over Han's Expulsion

Han Donghoon, Expelled from People Power Party: "I Will Surely Return"
Reformist Lawmakers Criticize Jang Donghyuk for "Divisive Politics"
Party Leadership Holds General Assembly in National Assembly Main Building

The fallout from the expulsion of former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon is escalating into internal division within the party. On January 29, immediately after the expulsion, Han and 16 lawmakers aligned with him held a press conference to voice their opposition, while at the same time, the party leadership and the majority of lawmakers attended a general assembly, prompting assessments that the party has effectively split into two factions.

At 2 p.m. that day, Han held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office to state his position on the expulsion decision made by the People Power Party’s Supreme Council. He said, "You may be able to expel me, but you cannot extinguish the desire for good politics for the people," and added, "If you wait, I will surely return."

He continued, "Fellow party members and citizens, we are the true owners of the People Power Party and conservatism. Let's never give up."

Former representative Han Donghoon, who was expelled from the People Power Party, is holding a press conference on the expulsion decision on the 29th at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Earlier that day, Han shook hands with Assemblyman Woo Jaejun, who had expressed opposition to the expulsion at the Supreme Council meeting, before the press conference. Sixteen incumbent lawmakers aligned with Han, including Ko Dongjin, Kim Yeji, Bae Hyunjin, Jin Jongoh, and Jeong Seongguk, attended the press conference.

Even before Han arrived, supporters gathered in front of the National Assembly Communication Office. They chanted "Real conservative, Han Donghoon," displaying their fervor. After greeting each supporter individually, Han left the venue after about 20 minutes.

'Alternative and Future', a group of reformist lawmakers within the People Power Party, also expressed concern over Han’s expulsion. They stated, "This expulsion will put our party in jeopardy during the local elections and ultimately help solidify the foundation of Lee Jaemyung’s dictatorial regime," and criticized, "Leader Jang has abandoned his promise of unity and is engaging in divisive politics."

They further urged, "The party leadership must declare a clear break with political forces that have supported emergency martial law and with proponents of election fraud conspiracy theories," and called for "specific measures to achieve party unity and harmony, as well as alliances with rational and reasonable political forces outside the party."

Addressing Han, they added, "If you truly wish to pursue the path of the 'real conservative' you speak of, we hope this expulsion serves as an opportunity for reflection, considering the need for sacrifice and dedication."

The expulsion decision is expected to continue to cause aftershocks within the party. On the afternoon of January 29, Han’s camp held a press conference in protest of the expulsion, while at the same time, the leadership and most lawmakers continued the general assembly in the main building of the National Assembly. With both sides taking divergent actions, the party appeared to have effectively split into two camps.