Han Dong-hoon Makes First Official Move After Expulsion
Listens to Voices of Merchants at Daegu Seomun Market
"I Will Step Forward, Whatever the Outcome"
Also Criticizes Ethics Committee Referral Targeting His Allies
Han Donghun, former leader of the People Power Party, visited Daegu Seomun Market, known as a conservative stronghold, on the 27th and stated, "We must break away from Yoon Suk Yeol's line that defends martial law, opposes impeachment, and supports election fraud theories." He also expressed his determination to step forward to overcome the current difficult situation.
Hanh Donghun, former leader of the People Power Party, is greeting supporters at Daegu Seomun Market on the afternoon of the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
On the afternoon of the same day, Han visited Seomun Market as his first official activity since his expulsion, and declared, "At this moment, we must start the conservative reconstruction right here in Daegu." He said, "Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to a heavy prison term," and added, "Now that the trial has concluded, it is time for conservatives to unite again, gather strength, and rebuild."
Regarding his reason for visiting Daegu, he emphasized, "Daegu has always confronted challenges head-on without avoidance. That is why I came, and that is why I am starting in Daegu." He also stated, "If a movement to truly overcome Yoon Suk Yeol's line arises from the people, from citizens, and from the majority here in Daegu, we can overcome these difficulties quickly."
Addressing Daegu citizens who oppose him, Han said, "You know that there is no future with Yoon Suk Yeol's line, and that it cannot keep the Lee Jaemyung administration in check. For those who are not satisfied with us, please use us as a means, as a vessel, to cross this tiresome sea of martial law and impeachment."
Regarding the distortion of law crime, which passed the National Assembly's plenary session the previous day led by the Democratic Party of Korea, Han criticized, "This is something that existed only during the Nazi era." He further commented, "The name sounds nice, but it can be summarized in just five syllables: 'Do as you're told.'"
As for the People Power Party's failure to stop it, he pointed out, "Checks by the pro-Yoon Suk Yeol party leadership do not work." He also criticized the party leadership, saying, "You are completely isolated from the public." Han added, "Only by overcoming Yoon Suk Yeol's line and moving toward the future can conservatism be rebuilt, can we keep the other side in check, and ultimately win."
Han went on to say, "(In this difficult situation,) is there any political force asking you to entrust everything to them, whatever the outcome? They just stare blankly." He declared, "Regardless of the outcome, I will step forward." He continued, "I will step up and directly address the current turmoil. What does it matter what becomes of me here?"
During a Q&A session with reporters, when asked about running for election, Han replied, "It is meaningless to say where I will go before the by-election is decided," thus avoiding a direct answer. However, he left open the possibility of running, stating, "There is no reason to rule it out." He made similar remarks during an appearance on SBS Radio that morning.
The market bustled with supporters and citizens... A tense atmosphere due to a protest
Han arrived at the entrance of Seomun Market at around 12:42 p.m. and began his schedule after getting out of the vehicle. Lawmakers considered close to Han, such as Woo Jaejun of the People Power Party, Bae Hyunjin, Park Junghoon, Jung Sungkuk, Kim Yeji, Jin Jongoh, and Ahn Sanghoon, were present at the site.
The scene was crowded with people. According to Han's camp, more than 10,000 people gathered at the site that day. With both citizens visiting Seomun Market and Han's supporters gathered, movement inside and outside the market became difficult. A protest was also held across the street from the market, creating a tense atmosphere.
While in the market, Han listened to merchants' voices as he purchased agricultural products and dried seafood. At two restaurants located in the middle of the market, he sat with lawmakers Kim Yeji, Kim Jonghyuk (former member of the People Power Party’s Supreme Council), and Woo Jaejun, eating noodles and flat dumplings. Han spent over two hours at Seomun Market, a schedule that was longer than planned.
Hanno Donghun, former leader of the People Power Party, is eating noodles at Daegu Seomun Market on the afternoon of the 27th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Han stated, "Real life exists at Seomun Market," and said, "I believe the duty of politics is to see who can best look after and improve this real life." He continued, "For that duty, I will visit markets and meet many people."
Han also remarked, "They say I should be disciplined for coming here-if so, discipline Seomun Market itself. Is it right to discipline efforts to help people prosper?" This was a criticism of the People Power Party leadership's announcement that they would refer Han and the lawmakers who accompanied him in Daegu to the party's ethics committee.
Han plans to continue touring other regions, starting with Daegu. He said, "The reconstruction of conservatism is for protecting the people. For that, I will meet with citizens across the country and persuade them that now is the time to rebuild conservatism."
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