South Korean Party in Turmoil Over Lawmaker's Potential Return

Tensions are rising within South Korea's People Power Party as factions clash over the potential return of suspended lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. The conflict intensified when lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo publicly declared his firm opposition to Han's rejoining the party, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from Han's allies.

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I hope Ahn doesn't get used by someone else again. I think he's stepped into a dangerous political swamp.

Supporters of Han Dong-hoon have decried Ahn's position as "politics of exclusion," arguing that it undermines party unity. The debate has also fueled speculation about Han potentially forming his own party, a prospect Ahn seemingly endorsed by suggesting he would support such a move. However, Han's camp has firmly denied any plans for a new party, stating such discussions have never occurred.

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Please don't even come near our party again. I firmly oppose your re-entry.

Adding to the internal friction, Ahn's recent testimony in a trial related to a past emergency decree situation has become a focal point. Ahn suggested Han, as party leader at the time, played a role in convening a party meeting that contributed to the situation. Han has vowed to respond firmly to what he calls distortions of the facts.

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We need to unite, not divide. Han Dong-hoon is ready to return anytime, and many lawmakers are working to create that environment. It's only a matter of time.

Amidst the intra-party conflict, some lawmakers are advocating for a more measured approach to Han's potential return. Citing the upcoming party convention and other political schedules, they argue there is no immediate need to address the 복당 (re-entry) issue, which could further complicate the party's dynamics. The emphasis, for some, is on consolidating the conservative bloc for future electoral success, suggesting that a unified approach should be prioritized over immediate factional maneuvering.

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There is no need to rush the re-entry issue. There is a party convention next August, and various schedules are ahead. We don't need to complicate things by rushing the re-entry.