Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon has effectively announced his intention to run in the next presidential election, suggesting he would lead a constitutional amendment to shorten the presidential term and step down after three years if elected in an early election. In an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo, Han stated that if a presidential election is held this year and he is elected, he would push for a constitutional amendment to adopt a four-year renewable term and step down in 2028. He believes three years would be sufficient to stabilize the country. However, he emphasized that an early election should not be assumed before the Constitutional Court’s decision on impeachment.
Han also discussed other constitutional reform ideas, such as keeping constituency representatives while converting proportionally elected representatives into an upper house under a mixed-member system, aiming to break regional monopolies in politics. For instance, he suggested that the People Power Party could win in Honam, and the Democratic Party in Yeongnam, promoting a more balanced National Assembly.
Addressing negative reactions to his political comeback, Han said that there is no specific time for a particular politician, and politicians should align themselves with the people’s timing. He stated his willingness to listen to negative feedback.
Regarding the stance on impeachment, Han expressed that obstructing martial law was necessary for the future, criticizing both the ruling Democratic Party after martial law and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials for their controversial actions.
On the potential candidacy of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who faces a two-year sentence from the prosecution for election law violations, Han stated that even if Lee is found guilty in the second trial, he may still run for election, which Han sees as dangerous. Han warned that Lee, if gaining power, could disrupt the balance of power in the government.