Han Dong-hoon Registers Residency in Busan, Sparking Nomination Debate within PPP

Han Dong-hoon, the former leader of the People Power Party (PPP), has officially entered the political arena for the upcoming by-election in Busan's Buk-gu constituency by registering his residency. This move signals his clear intention to contest the seat, which became vacant due to the Busan mayor's departure. Han's decision to relocate to Busan and pursue a parliamentary seat underscores his commitment to the region and his party's electoral prospects.

“

I have decided to live for the citizens of Busan.

The registration has ignited a fierce debate within the PPP regarding candidate nomination for the Buk-gu district. While Han's entry is seen by many as a strategic move to bolster the party's presence in Busan, a significant faction, including veteran lawmaker Kim Do-eup, has proposed a 'no-nomination' policy for the district. This stance is rooted in concerns about potentially unfavorable electoral dynamics, such as a three-way race that could jeopardize not only the Buk-gu by-election but also the Busan mayoral race.

“

Buk-gu is a place I don't know well yet, but from now on, I will get to know it inside and out, dedicate myself to its development, and show results.

Conversely, the party's leadership, which recently expelled Han over the 'party member bulletin board' incident, has dismissed the idea of not nominating a candidate. They argue that failing to field a candidate in such a crucial district would be untenable for a major political party. The Busan mayoral candidate, Park Hyung-joon, also supports the party's decision to nominate a candidate. Meanwhile, Park Min-sik, who has long expressed his intention to run in Buk-gu, has distanced himself from discussions about unified candidacies or three-way races, focusing solely on his own campaign.

“

If it becomes a three-way race, wouldn't it be difficult for our party? It could also have a negative impact on the Busan mayoral election. Who will take responsibility for the election results?

Han himself has remained non-committal on the nomination controversy, stating that he does not wish to engage in politics by treating such matters as mere 'throwing stones.' His response suggests a desire to focus on the core issues and his commitment to serving the Busan citizens, rather than getting entangled in internal party disputes. The situation is further complicated by Lee Jin-sook, who was denied the PPP's nomination for the Daegu mayoral race and is now appealing for a fair rerun, hinting at a potential independent candidacy.

“

It is nonsensical for a major party not to field a candidate in such an important location.