Former People’s Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon announced on the 24th that he listened to public sentiment while delivering chicken. Han, who was summoned as a witness for the insurrection trial of former President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 23rd, did not appear in court. Instead, he claimed to have listened to the difficulties faced by small business owners in Jinju.
On the same day, Han posted on his personal social media, stating, “I listened to the challenges of small business owners from the owner and an apprentice student at a chicken specialty store in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do,” and added, “I also delivered chicken together with the owner.” He explained that he visited Jinju as part of a nationwide tour to gauge public sentiment.
Photos released by Han show him engaging with store personnel, assembling chicken boxes, checking receipts, holding a bag of chicken, and delivering it by car or on foot to customers’ doorsteps.
In a CBS radio interview with Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show on the same day, Han stated, “I met with restaurant owners in Jinju who mentioned that the economy is extremely tough and in need of measures.” He continued, “In the evening, I helped with sales and made deliveries at a chicken chain in Jinju Innovation City.”
Han also mentioned hearing from small business owners about the burden of app fees during the delivery process. When asked if customers recognized him, he replied, “These days, many prefer not to have the doorbell rung and request to leave the items at the door.”
The day Han met with citizens was the day scheduled for a pre-trial witness examination at the Seoul Central District Court. This procedure is employed when a key witness refuses to attend, allowing the prosecutor to question them before a judge. The special prosecution for insurrection regards Han as a key witness; his refusal to attend prompted a move to a more compulsory procedure.
As Han did not attend the pre-trial witness examination on the 23rd, the actual questioning did not occur. The court announced plans to summon the witness for a new session set for October 2nd at 10 a.m.
In a social media post, Han indicated he would not participate in the examination, explaining, “As party leader during the December 3rd martial law, I was at the forefront of blocking the unlawful martial law, alongside various lawmakers and party officials. The details were fully disclosed in a book published in February and through media interviews. I have nothing further to add.”