Handonghoon: "Election Contains Mandate to Rebuild Conservatism"...Hints at Rejoining People Power Party

"Victory in Bukgap Reflects Support for Rebuilding Conservatism"

"Citizens Demonstrate Resolve Not to Tolerate the Tyranny of the Lee Jaemyung Administration"

Handonghun, the independent member-elect who won the by-election for the Busan Buk-gu Gap seat in the National Assembly, characterized the results of the June 3 local elections and re/by-elections on the 4th as “an election that reflects the people’s mandate to rebuild the conservative bloc.” Hand, who will begin his legislative activities tomorrow (the 5th), also hinted at his intention to rejoin the People Power Party.

At a press conference held at his campaign office in Buk-gu, Busan on this day, Handonghun stated, “I believe the people have shown great wisdom and greatness,” and added, “Seeing that there were meaningful victories in places where conservatives were not entirely abandoned, it appears that those who support rebuilding the conservative bloc have been granted a meaningful win.”

He further commented, “Through this election, I believe the people have overcome concerns about the regression of the conservative bloc and have delivered a mandate to rebuild it.”

Handonghun, the independent member-elect of the National Assembly for Busan Bukgap in the by-election, is visiting Gupo Market in Buk-gu, Busan on the 4th to thank the citizens for their support. Photo by Yonhap News

He also sent a warning message to the Lee Jaemyung administration. Handonghun asserted, “The people have delivered a significant warning to the Democratic Party government led by Lee Jaemyung,” and continued, “In Buk-gu Gap, the candidate put forward as a proxy by President Lee Jaemyung was ultimately defeated by the independent Handonghun.”

He went on to say, “Throughout the election, I consistently proposed that we should ask the people how they perceive maneuvers like the withdrawal of indictments, and that point must be accepted,” adding, “Through this election, the citizens made it clear that they will not stand by and allow the tyranny of the Lee Jaemyung administration.”

He also expressed his intention to return to the People Power Party. In response to questions about whether, as an independent lawmaker, he might face limitations in securing budgets for local development, he answered, “If I were going to remain independent forever, do you think so many people would have gathered here?” and added, “The change that will drive a new future for Buk-gu has already begun.”

Handonghun stated, “I have always said I would return the day I was unjustly expelled, and this election victory is part of fulfilling that promise.”

He continued, “I have exchanged words of encouragement and spoken by phone with many colleagues with whom I had grown distant, and a majority agreed that a new direction for rebuilding the conservative bloc is necessary.” He added, “I felt that there are quite a few people who support the cause and the principles I have presented.”

He also argued, “The current actions and words of the People Power Party leadership do not match the dignity or competence that a conservative party should uphold,” and insisted, “They must reflect and set the right direction.”

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