Bae Jun-young, the deputy leader of the ruling party, the People’s Power, and its spokesperson Jang Dong-hyuk, along with other affiliated lawmakers, are paying respects during a parliamentary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th. Photo by Park Min-kyu, Senior Reporter.
Jang Dong-hyuk, a member of the National Assembly and the deputy spokesperson closely associated with Han Dong-hoon (referred to as a close associate), stated on the 19th in relation to Han Dong-hoon’s potential candidacy for party leader, “I think that might be true,” adding, “The timing of the candidacy will likely be this weekend or early next week.” The spokesperson expressed his determination by saying, “I have no intention to shy away from the role of being a running mate as a top party official candidate mentioned in association with Han’s candidacy.” As Han Dong-hoon’s candidacy becomes more certain, it seems that his inner circle is also becoming more apparent.
During his appearance on SBS Radio on the same day, Jang, the spokesperson, stated, “The exact timing of Han Dong-hoon’s candidacy is not yet determined. The location is still under consideration, and it seems that they are contemplating on the message as well.”
Regarding the message of the candidacy, Jang mentioned, “It seems necessary to address to some extent the criticisms directed towards Han Dong-hoon,” adding, “I will try to incorporate answers on how the party plans to move forward and address concerns in the message.” Previously, Han Dong-hoon had been asked to clarify his stance on his relationship with President Yoon Suk-yeol, the special prosecutor law issue, and his presidential candidacy.
Referring to Member Lee Cheol-gyu, who is classified as pro-Yoon Suk-yeol, and his statement “saying ‘what’s the use (since it will end up being Han)’ is considered as defamation against party members,” the spokesperson criticized, “It seems like a statement that insults party members who support Han Dong-hoon.” He also criticized targeting Member Jo Jung-hoon by saying, “If saying that is considered as misconduct, then all party members who voted for Han Dong-hoon would have to be disciplined similarly.”
Regarding his own potential candidacy as a top party official, the spokesperson stated, “I haven’t made a final decision yet, but I also feel the necessity for the candidacy. If a role is needed for assembling a stable leadership, I have no intention to shy away from taking on that role.”
As Han Dong-hoon’s candidacy becomes imminent, candidates for top member and youth top member positions, similar to the running mates of Han Dong-hoon, are also emerging, much like the case of Cheon Ha-ram, a lawmaker from the Reformist Party who formed ‘Cheon-A-Yong-In’ (Cheon Ha-ram, Heo Eun-a, Kim Yong-tae, Lee Gi-in) after last year’s party convention. In addition to the spokesperson Jang Dong-hyuk, Park Jeong-hoon and Jeong Sung-guk are also mentioned as potential top member candidates. Member Park briefly responded to reporters on the same day, stating, “I am contemplating running for the party convention.” For the role of youth top member, Kim Jun-ho, the district council chairman of the Yeonwon precinct in the People’s Power, has emerged as a candidate.