DistantNews
Support us
🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

First day in Parliament for Han Dong-hoon: 'I will return to the People Power Party'

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Han Dong-hoon, who won a by-election as an independent, made his first appearance in the National Assembly.
  • He stated his intention to rejoin the People Power Party and focus on rebuilding conservatism.
  • Han expressed his commitment to fulfilling the strong mandate from citizens to check the ruling party's power.

Han Dong-hoon, who secured a parliamentary seat as an independent in a recent by-election, made his inaugural entry into the National Assembly on June 5, signaling his intent to rejoin the People Power Party and champion the cause of conservatism.

Arriving at the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, Han was greeted by approximately 200 supporters. He paused to gaze at the building before bowing in greeting to the crowd. Han, who was expelled from the People Power Party before running as an independent for the Busan Buk-gap constituency, expressed his resolve.

I staked my entire political career on the decisions and actions I took as a party leader for the Republic of Korea that day, and I would have walked the same path again if given the chance.

— Han Dong-hoonReflecting on his past decisions as party leader upon his first day in the National Assembly.

"On the night of December 3, 2024, I was right here," Han recalled, referring to his time as party leader. "I staked my entire political career on the decisions and actions I took as a party leader for the Republic of Korea that day, and I would have walked the same path again if given the chance." He added, "Today, I have returned here through the power of the citizens. I will faithfully carry out my duties to develop the region, rebuild conservatism, and prevent the abuse of power, as strongly urged by the citizens."

Today, I have returned here through the power of the citizens. I will faithfully carry out my duties to develop the region, rebuild conservatism, and prevent the abuse of power, as strongly urged by the citizens.

— Han Dong-hoonStating his commitment to his constituents and political goals.

Regarding his return to the People Power Party, Han stated, "I said I would return the day I was expelled, and I don't think this is the stage to be contemplating the specific procedures." His remarks indicate a swift return to the party fold is anticipated.

Inside the Assembly, Han was seen interacting with other lawmakers, including Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party and Park Eun-jeong of the New Future Party. His presence marks a significant development in South Korean politics, as he aims to play a key role in the conservative bloc.

I said I would return the day I was expelled, and I don't think this is the stage to be contemplating the specific procedures.

— Han Dong-hoonAddressing his intention to rejoin the People Power Party.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog