Ahn Cheol-soo vs. Han Donghoon: Will Han Donghoon Found a New Party? [So Jongseop’s Current Affairs Show]

Park Wonseok: "Han Donghoon should reach out to Ahn Cheol-soo and resolve the issue"

Lee Taekyu: "Han Donghoon lacks the star power needed to launch a new party"

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily "So Jongseop’s Current Affairs Show" (Monday to Friday, 4–5 p.m.)

■ Host: Political specialist So Jongseop ■ Directed by: Producer Lee Kyungdo

■ Guests: Park Wonseok, former Justice Party lawmaker; Lee Taegyu, former People Power Party lawmaker (July 13)

※ Please be sure to cite "So Jongseop’s Current Affairs Show" when quoting this article.

So Jongseop: Assemblyman Lee Taegyu, you know Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo well, don’t you? Assemblyman Ahn recently said, "I oppose Han Donghoon's readmission; he shouldn't even approach the party." That was quite a strong statement—what are your thoughts?

Lee Taegyu: Well, regardless of the individual issues between Ahn Cheol-soo and Han Donghoon, from the ordinary citizen’s perspective, the conservative bloc now appears as if it has lost its sense of innovation and vision—just mired in endless infighting. That’s really unfortunate. I don’t know much about personal psychology, but in politics, those dynamics always exist. For example, former mayor Hong Joon-pyo has displayed certain behaviors and attitudes in attacking Assemblyman Han Donghoon, and I believe Ahn Cheol-soo also shares some of that on the inside. When someone suddenly emerges on the political scene, it’s only natural for politicians to feel a certain way—everyone tends to act out of self-interest, and those subconscious elements are bound to come into play.

Is there any politician in Korea these days who doesn’t act out of self-interest? Or any who boldly say, “I will walk my path with pride before the nation and history?" I doubt you can name even one. From that perspective, I understand it. Still, it is clear that the "Ahn Cheol-soo phenomenon" once represented a hope for a new politics—transcending established and vested-interest politics—but now shows significant deviation from that path. In the series of events after the illegal martial law in 2024, Assemblyman Ahn had the opportunity to define a shared space for conservative innovation and integration, and establish his leadership and presence. However, the current confrontational stance is disappointing.

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference opposing the readmission of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon to the People Power Party at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

Park Wonseok: It looks like checks and balances are at play between political competitors—but if you eliminate your rivals instead of defeating them, can your brand of politics ever grow? Not just Jang Donghyeok’s camp, but also Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo want to keep Han Donghoon out. But if you try to exclude Han Donghoon and just have internal competition, can your politics truly expand? It’s strange—and it seems Assemblyman Ahn may have taken this pretty personally. After testifying in court, he was fiercely attacked by pro-Han speakers.

So if Han Donghoon, who is currently outside the party, faces that much hostility already, imagine what would happen if he actually rejoined. Anyone within the Partei who disagreed with Han Donghoon would likely be swarmed and subject to all-out political attacks, almost as though they were being made out to be fools. Due to this, it might actually harm party unity, so there is an argument that his return to the party isn't advisable. But it seems to be quite emotional. Of course, Assemblyman Han Donghoon’s side has been too extreme as well—especially the so-called pro-Han speakers and supporters. They are just as overzealous as what we once saw from some of the strongest Moon Jae-in supporters in the past.

During the night of martial law, Han Donghoon wasn't the only one present—there were other lawmakers who participated in lifting martial law and others who, though unable to enter, did their best to oppose it. There has been criticism that the night's events are being turned into a singular heroic saga for one person, and that criticism is valid. Yes, leading fellow lawmakers to push for the lifting of martial law was an historical accomplishment for Assemblyman Han Donghoon—but he wasn't alone. If pro-Han circles or supporters act like others contributed nothing or had no role, that's also a problem. In any case, now the situation is even tougher for Assemblyman Han Donghoon. It would be one thing if only the Jang Donghyeok camp opposed him, but if people like Ahn Cheol-soo are against him, that's a serious complication.

On June 23, at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, Bareunmirae Party member Lee Sung-kwon and the Pan-Civic Social Organizations Union held the "National Assembly Forum on Suffrage Victimization and Election System Reform," where independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon (center) was giving words of encouragement. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

So Jongseop: There are suggestions that Han Donghoon should launch a new party based in Busan and Seoul. Do you think that’s a realistic possibility?

Lee Taegyu: He could technically form a new party. But whether it would gain real traction with the public, be well received, or build true competitiveness is another matter. At this point, I think Han Donghoon's fan base might be sufficient to win a by-election in Buk-gu, Busan, but not enough to establish a nationwide party with a strong presence in Seoul and Busan.

It's far too early for that, and even if he somehow had such capability, before considering a new party, he should first focus on developing an innovative model and vision for conservative politics and the People Power Party, aiming to foster positive public sentiment for rebuilding the conservative bloc. Only then can questions about forming a new party or readmission be realistically discussed. Without that groundwork, simply insisting on readmission or forming a new party is not feasible. If Assemblyman Han takes such a route, he risks coming across as flighty and unstrategic.

*Click the video to watch the full conversation.

Park Wonseok: Founding a new party probably isn’t the top priority. I believe seeking readmission comes first; forming a new party would only be considered if that option is closed off and there's no alternative—but even then, it's not easy. Assemblyman Han Donghoon should think carefully; in politics, you shouldn’t keep making new enemies. The more enemies you make, the less progress is possible. Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo's statements this time may seem outrageous to Assemblyman Han, but if facts are being misrepresented, he could simply clarify them objectively, rather than lashing out against Assemblyman Ahn. Even if he wasn’t actively doing so himself, he still enabled such attacks to happen.

That only fuels more resentment and enemies internally. After the by-election, there were many comments about Han Donghoon changing. If he goes back to the sharp, confrontational Han Donghoon, will that do any good? There’s no need to turn someone like Ahn Cheol-soo into an opponent—even if he can’t become an ally. From that perspective, my suggestion is simply this: Assemblyman Han should reach out, resolve the issue personally. That’s the only way; no politician can resolve every issue by sharply dividing right from wrong.

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