Says rejoining People Power Party is his goal but sees no need to rush; calls Jang Dong-hyeok's leadership illegitimate; open to working with anyone who shares conservative rebuilding agenda

Han Dong-hoon raises his fist after securing his election victory. [Yonhap]
Han Dong-hoon raises his fist after securing his election victory. [Yonhap]

By Seo Ji-yeon, The Herald Business

Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has left open the possibility of running in the 2030 presidential election, saying the decision rests with the public rather than himself. He also reaffirmed his intention to rejoin the People Power Party while leveling sharp criticism at its current leadership.

In an interview conducted June 17 at the National Assembly members' office building and published Friday by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, Han said he had not yet decided whether to seek the presidency in 2030. "It is not something I can decide on my own at this stage," he said. "It depends on whether the people need me."

On the question of realigning the conservative camp, Han was clear about wanting to return to the People Power Party. "Rejoining the People Power Party is my goal," he said, adding that he saw no need to rush.

He said he was willing to work with anyone prepared to walk the same path toward making conservatives the majority in the 2028 general election and reclaiming the presidency in 2030. "In the process of rebuilding the conservative camp, I have no intention of seeking revenge or excluding anyone," he said.

Han was sharply critical of the party leadership under Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok, who effectively expelled him. "Jang is merely holding his position in a formal sense — he has already lost the political authority and legitimacy needed to lead the conservative camp," Han said. "It is almost unheard of for a party leader to refuse to step down after suffering a crushing defeat in local elections."

Asked about the possibility of joining forces with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon or Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok, Han avoided naming specific individuals and instead emphasized the shared goal of rebuilding the conservative bloc. "I want to work alongside anyone who shares the vision of rebuilding conservatism," he said.

Han also delivered a pointed message to the Lee Jae Myung administration. "The institutions and systems that have sustained the Republic of Korea are being dismantled for the private interests of those in power," he said.

He directed particular criticism at the planned abolition of the Prosecution Service and the creation of a new public indictment agency and serious crimes investigation agency, set to take effect in October. "If it were unrelated to President Lee's legal risks, this institutional overhaul would never have been pursued," Han said. "It is dangerous to reshape long-standing institutions according to the convenience of those in power."

Asked whether he would restore the prosecution system if the opposition returned to power, Han said the question was less about "restoration" and more about normalizing what had been broken. "Reform and improvement of the problems in the existing system is possible," he said.

The interview was widely seen as Han actively positioning himself in the next conservative realignment while keeping both a return to the People Power Party and a future presidential bid on the table. Particularly notable was his framing of the 2028 general election and the 2030 presidential election as a timeline for conservative rebuilding — signaling a long-term political strategy.


sjy@heraldcorp.com