Han Dong-hoon wins Busan by-election, signals return to People Power Party and conservative overhaul

Han Dong-hoon, who won the June 3 National Assembly by-election in Busan's Buk-gu A district as an independent, signaled he would seek to rejoin the People Power Party and reshape the conservative bloc, taking direct aim at the party's current leadership faction led by PPP chief Jang Dong-hyeok.

Speaking at a press conference at his Buk-gu campaign office Thursday, Han said the ruling faction's conduct did not reflect the standards the conservative party had long upheld. "The words and actions of those who appear to represent the People Power Party right now do not match the dignity and competence that a conservative party should have," he said. "I believe it is time to reflect on that and set the right course."

Han said conservative politics had too often placed the interests of political factions and political maneuvering ahead of principle. "I hope we can rebuild conservatism by first building consensus on why we do politics," he said. "I believe that is the spirit of the times revealed through this election."

Reflecting on the results of the local elections and National Assembly by-elections, Han said the public had shown great wisdom. "Voters did not abandon the conservative party entirely, and where the party scored meaningful victories, it seems they delivered unexpected wins to those who share the vision of conservative renewal," he said. "I believe the public has issued a clear order: overcome the fear of conservative regression and rebuild conservatism."

He also said the results carried a significant warning for the Democratic Party government of Lee Jae-myung. "Throughout the campaign, I said the public would render its verdict on schemes such as the withdrawal of indictments," Han said. "I warn the Lee administration to take that message seriously."

Asked about his status as an independent, Han suggested his days outside the party were numbered. "Would this many people have gathered if I were going to be an independent forever?" he said, adding that his election had already set things in motion and asking supporters to watch as he fulfilled his campaign pledges.

On the question of rejoining the People Power Party, Han said he had promised to return on the day he was unjustly expelled. "This election victory is part of fulfilling that promise," he said.

He went on to say that many PPP lawmakers shared his vision for conservative renewal. "I sense that a great number of them agree with the cause and principles of conservative rebuilding that I have put forward," he said. "Conservatism will be rebuilt on the basis of the public sentiment revealed in this election."

Asked about his plans for committee work and legislative activities in the Assembly, Han said his first role would be to block the withdrawal of indictments, which he described as a clear warning from voters. "The Lee Jae-myung administration must not misread the public will that was clearly expressed in this election," he said.

Earlier Thursday, Han visited Gupo Market in Buk-gu to thank merchants for their support following his victory. He was scheduled to tour the rest of Buk-gu that afternoon to greet residents.

Han was expelled from the People Power Party in January by the party's ethics committee — the harshest disciplinary measure available.

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