Han Dong-hoon aims to rejoin People Power Party, eyes 2030 presidential election

Han Dong-hoon, who won a by-election as an independent after being expelled from the People Power Party, has declared his intention to rejoin the party rather than form a new conservative bloc. In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, Han expressed his ambition to lead the party's reform and rebuild the conservative movement.

“

He has lost his political authority and legitimacy.

He directly criticized the current party leader, Jang Dong-hyuk, stating that Jang has lost his political authority and legitimacy. Han suggested that Jang is merely holding onto his position formally, implying that his leadership is untenable given the party's recent electoral failures. Han indicated that while rejoining might take time, his ultimate goal is to secure leadership within the People Power Party to spearhead its renewal.

“

The goal is to achieve a conservative majority in the 2028 general election and regain the presidency in 2030.

Looking ahead, Han laid out a roadmap for the conservative movement, aiming for a majority in the 2028 general election and a presidential victory in 2030. He expressed openness to collaborating with anyone who shares his vision for conservative reconstruction, including figures like Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the New Reform Party. Han emphasized that he has no intention of seeking revenge or exclusion in his pursuit of this goal.

“

I want to walk alongside anyone who shares the will to rebuild conservatism.

Addressing the current administration, Han accused President Lee Jae-myung and his government of undermining the nation's foundational systems and institutions for personal gain. He also acknowledged the conservative camp's responsibility for failing to provide adequate checks and balances. Han sees the task of confronting the current government and rebuilding the conservative movement as two sides of the same coin. Regarding the justice system, he stated that if his side regains power, the goal would be to normalize institutions dismantled by the current administration, while remaining open to reforms of existing systems.

“

The ruling powers are dismantling the systems and institutions that have supported South Korea for personal gain.