Han Donghoon Says 2030 Presidential Bid Depends on Public, Criticizes Jang Donghyuk's Loss of Legitimacy

Interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun
Willing to Cooperate with Anyone for Conservative Reconstruction
Strong Criticism of the Lee Jaemyung Administration

Independent lawmaker Han Donghoon said regarding the possibility of running in the 2030 presidential election, "It depends on whether the people need me at that point," according to a report by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun on June 20.

Yonhap News Agency

In an interview with Yomiuri Shimbun conducted on June 17 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, Han stated, "Running for president is not something I should decide for myself at this stage."

When asked whether he would pursue rejoining the People Power Party or rallying a new conservative force, Han replied, "I aim to rejoin the People Power Party," but added, "There is no need to rush." He continued, "My goal is for the conservative bloc to become the majority in the 2028 general election, and I am willing to work with anyone who can walk the path of conservative reconstruction to regain power in the 2030 presidential election." He emphasized, "I have no intention of pursuing retaliation or exclusion for the sake of conservative reconstruction."

Regarding concerns that it may not be easy for him to rejoin the People Power Party under the leadership of Chairman Jang Donghyuk, who effectively expelled him, Han criticized, "(Chairman Jang) is only formally holding his position; he has already lost political authority and legitimacy to lead the conservative camp." He added, "Under normal circumstances, it is almost unheard of for a party leader not to resign after a crushing defeat in local elections."

When asked about the possibility of cooperating with Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon or Lee Junseok, head of the Reform Party, Han responded, "Rather than discussing specific individuals, I would like to work with anyone who shares the will to rebuild the conservative camp."

Regarding the Lee Jaemyung administration, Han pointed out, "The institutions and systems that have supported the Republic of Korea are being undermined for the private interests of President Lee and other figures in power."

On the subject of the abolition of the prosecution service and the establishment of the Public Prosecution Office and the Serious Crime Investigation Agency scheduled for October, Han commented, "The biggest issue is that such institutional reforms would not have taken place if they were unrelated to President Lee's own legal risks." He went on to say, "It is dangerous to dismantle long-standing institutions at the convenience of those in power."

When asked whether he would restore the prosecution system if conservatives regain power in the future, Han stated, "Rather than 'restoring' it, the institutions dismantled by this administration must be normalized." He added, "In that process, it is also possible to reform or supplement the problems of the existing system."

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