Han Dong-hoon, the former leader of the People Power Party, was seen greeting supporters on the morning of December 16 at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, after holding a press conference announcing his resignation. An account of him, who had said he would travel domestically after stepping down from the party leadership, emerged recently.
It was reported that Han spent an evening dining with close-party legislators on December 16, expressing his wish to take a break and travel solo around the country by car.
On January 7, a post containing a photo of Han at a café in Gangnam, Seoul, appeared on an online community and his fan café. Han, dressed in a black coat, was seen ordering and picking up coffee from the café. The supporter who shared the sighting commented, “The representative appeared relaxed, and it was relieving to see him looking healthy.”
Although Han has not appeared in any official events, he did voice his concern about the tragic Muan Airport Jeju Air flight incident. On December 29, he posted on Facebook about the unfortunate accident at Muan Airport and expressed his hopes for the fire authorities to do their utmost, praying for the safety of everyone involved.
Some speculate that Han, after resigning from his position as a provisional committee chairman last April due to the general election defeat, is engaging in what is referred to as “sighting politics” by making public appearances. This term surfaced as he continued to be spotted at various places like Yangjae Library in Seocho-gu, Seoul, or taking ‘selfies’ with supporters, leading to this interpretation of his actions.
Han later ran for and was elected as the party leader at the national convention. As Yoon Seok-yeol’s impeachment trial unfolds in the Constitutional Court, and in the event of an impeachment, Han is considered a strong potential candidate for an early presidential election.
Han reassured supporters on the day of his resignation, December 16, stating, “I do not give up.” Kim Jong-hyeok, a former top member of the People Power Party close to Han, recently mentioned on KBS Radio that “considering various factors, he will resume his activities. He won’t just stay secluded.”