Han Donghoon on Rumors of Running in Busan Buk-gap: "Not Ready to Declare Yet... Politics Must Be Clear"

Internal Strife over Gyeonggi Governor Nomination in People Power Party

"Party Must Not Give the Impression of Giving Up on the Election"

"President Lee's Criticism of Israel for Election Purposes Is Dangerous"

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon commented on April 11 regarding the possibility of running in a future parliamentary by-election for Buk-gu Gap in Busan, stating, "In politics, one must be clear and responsible for their words."

Meeting with reporters at Paldalmun Market in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province that afternoon, Han said, "Since the by-election itself has not been confirmed, it is not the stage to announce my candidacy in advance," but reiterated his position.

The previous day on KBS Radio, he hinted at the possibility of running, saying, "Like the lyrics of a song, my intentions are easy to read. I think everyone already understands how I feel."

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon is meeting with citizens at a traditional market near Paldalmun in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

When asked whether he would consider forming an alliance with the People Power Party candidate if he runs as an independent in this by-election, Han replied, "I think this is ultimately for the citizens to decide," and added, "On the day I was unfairly expelled from the People Power Party, I said, 'I will definitely return.' I think the answer lies in those words."

Han also made remarks about the People Power Party leadership, which is currently experiencing internal strife during the process of nominating a Gyeonggi Governor candidate. He stated, "Imagine how ashamed and dumbfounded the citizens of Gyeonggi Province and those who support the conservative party must feel. Things are going terribly wrong," and, "Even though I have been expelled, as a conservative politician, I will do my utmost so that the People Power Party can become a metropolitan area-focused party in the future."

Regarding the joint prosecution-police investigation headquarters' decision the previous day not to indict Jeon Jae-soo, the Democratic Party's Busan mayoral candidate who is facing allegations of accepting money from the Unification Church, Han criticized, "I've never seen a government act so recklessly," and added, "If you receive a Cartier watch, you should not be in politics. This is like finding a knife with Mr. Jeon Jae-soo's fingerprints at a murder scene."

He also raised issues about President Lee Jaemyung sharing a video on social media alleging that the Israeli military abused Palestinian children.

Han stated, "If this incident was a mistake, then the presidential office's system has collapsed. If the intention is to stoke anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiment and divide public opinion for electoral gain, then that is truly dangerous."

Regarding People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk's scheduled visit to the United States starting on April 14, Han commented, "Are there any voters in the United States who can vote in our local elections?" and added, "A leader should not give the impression that the party is giving up on the election."

On speculation that Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, will run in the parliamentary by-election for Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, Han said, "That is typical Cho Kuk politics," and added, "He keeps repeating that Hanam Gap is a 'hostile district' after avoiding Busan, but why is it considered difficult for the Democratic Party when they won there in the last general election?"

Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party, is meeting citizens while visiting a traditional market near Paldalmun in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, on the 11th. Photo by Seongmin Lee

Meanwhile, Han continued his fourth grassroots campaign by visiting Suwon, after visiting Seomun Market in Daegu, Gupo Market in Busan, and Gyeongdong Market in Seoul. The Happy Market event is an initiative by Han to encourage his supporters to shop at local markets.

Starting his visit from 1 p.m., Han spent about two hours touring the markets around Paldalmun, listening to public sentiment. Han emphasized, "Gyeonggi Province is the most populous region in Korea," and added, "I am here to gather energy to improve the lives and livelihoods of the people."

At this final event, he was accompanied by People Power Party lawmakers Park Junghoon, Jeong Seongguk, Jin Jongoh, and Yoo Yongwon, former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk, and Kim Kyungjin, the party chapter chair for Dongdaemun-eul.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.