‘After suffering defeat in the general election, Han Dong-hoon, the former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, broke his silence with government policy criticism about a month later, further increasing the possibility of a challenge for the next party leadership. There is an interpretation that the oversight over the election white paper special committee, which is suspected of having a pro-Yoon sentiment, is giving grounds for candidacy for him to run.
On the 19th, the government practically nullified the ‘Ban on Personal Overseas Direct Purchases of KC Uncertified Products’ just three days after its announcement. This response comes after warnings from figures in the opposition, including Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker, Na Kyung-won, a newly elected member of the National Assembly, and Han, the former chairman, raised concerns over the imminent blocking of personal overseas direct purchases next month.
Han, the former chairman, expressed his views through Facebook on the night of the 18th, stating, “Mandating KC certification for individual overseas direct purchases excessively restricts consumer choice and should be reconsidered.” He emphasized that protecting domestic consumers by ensuring the safety of products is the government’s duty, but making KC certification mandatory for individual overseas direct purchases, as announced on May 16, would create excessive and ambiguous regulations.
Furthermore, he emphasized that “our government should boldly reform regulations and ensure fair competition and consumer choice.” This highlights the conservative identity of valuing freedom and market competition. In a post on the 20th of last month, hinting at conflicts with President Yoon during the general election period, Han stressed, “Efforts to correct mistakes are not betrayal, but courage,” and also stated, “I will take time to study and refine myself.”
Han has been making headlines since last month by meeting with former emergency committee members, party office staff, and even former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong in various settings, including the Yangjae Public Library reading sessions. However, his public stance on current issues has sparked interpretations that his challenge for party leadership has been set in motion just about a month later. Additionally, opinion polls show that Han, targeting the People Power Party’s support base, holds a majority preference for the next presidential candidate or party leader.
Controversy surrounding the election white paper committee is also heating up. Despite not having officially established the “Hwang Woo-yeo Emergency Committee,” the committee conducted meetings and discussions, with some members expressing the opinion of holding individuals responsible for the white paper, while Chairman Jo Jung-hoon met with Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, who advocates for Han’s removal. Shin Pyeong, a lawyer who was referred to as a “mentor to President Yoon” and had been the chairman of Jo Jung-hoon in the Mapo-gab Seoul chapter, also played the role of an external opponent against Han.
On the 17th, only former Public Affairs Commission Chairman Jeong Young-hwan and lawmakers Lee Cheol-gyu and Lee Jong-seong attended the party nomination evaluation meeting, as seven external members of the commission were absent. Lawmaker Lee Cheol-gyu lamented the absence of many members in such a crucial meeting. Jang Dong-hyuk, the current chief of staff for the “Han Dong-hoon Emergency Committee,” postponed the meeting for a confirmation hearing for the director of the Anti-Corruption Commission and expressed regret.
Regarding the responsibility principle, Jo stated on CBS Radio on the 17th, “Even if a knife is held to my throat, I can say that Han, the former chairman and the presidential office have the responsibility.” The committee plans to submit the white paper before the upcoming party convention expected in July. Meanwhile, Jo hinted at a challenge for party leadership. Among those who lost in the metropolitan area and the 30s and 40s age group, criticism includes suggestions for Han to step down from the committee chairmanship if he wants to become party leader, with opinions on Han’s inclusion rising. Written by Han Ki-ho and Kwon Jun-young’