Handonghun Returns to Assembly with "Power of the People After 12·3, Committed to Rebuilding Conservatism"

On Returning to the People Power Party: "It Is Not Yet Time to Consider Specific Procedures"

Independent Assemblyman Han Dong-hoon said on his first day returning to the National Assembly on June 5, "I have come back here (to the National Assembly) through the power of the citizens," adding, "I will faithfully carry out my legislative duties to fulfill the citizens' strong desire to develop the region, rebuild the conservative bloc, and keep power in check."

On his way to attend the National Assembly's plenary session that afternoon, Han spoke to reporters and said, "On the night of December 3, 2024, during the 12·3 Emergency Martial Law, I was right here," recalling the past. Over 100 supporters and Assemblyman Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party, among other close political associates, joined him on his first day back to the Assembly.

Han Dong-hoon, an independent member of the National Assembly, is attending the '436th National Assembly (Extraordinary Session) 1st Plenary Session' held at the National Assembly Main Hall in Yeouido, Seoul on June 5, 2026. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

He went on to say, "During the 12·3 Emergency Martial Law, as a citizen of the Republic of Korea and the leader of the People Power Party, I made decisions and took actions that led me down a difficult political path. Even so, if I were to go back to that time, I would choose the same path again."

Assemblyman Han also stated, "I will listen to my fellow lawmakers and put the people first in my legislative work." Regarding the possibility of rejoining the People Power Party, he said, "I have already stated that I would return when my unjust expulsion is overturned," but added, "It is not yet time to consider the specific procedures."

Meanwhile, on June 3, Han ran as an independent candidate in the by-election for Buk-gu Gap, Busan, defeating Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party of Korea and Park Min-shik of the People Power Party, successfully entering the National Assembly for the first time. He will take the oath of office at the plenary session scheduled for later in the afternoon. It has been reported that Han plans to serve on the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee in the future.

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