There is growing speculation in political circles about the 'Han Dong-hoon February return theory.' Former Representative Han has begun to warm up by meeting political figures such as Kim Jong-in, the former chair of the emergency response committee of the People Power Party, and pro-Han figures are also actively voicing their opinions and starting independent activities. In political circles, it is believed that former Representative Han will make a full-fledged appearance by the end of this month, or at the latest, early next month.
A key figure from the pro-Han group stated in a currency with ChosunBiz on the 4th, "I believe the impeachment (trial) process will be (faster than expected). Therefore, I think he should come out within this month." While a specific timeframe was not mentioned, within the pro-Han group, the termination date of the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial for President Yoon is effectively being viewed as the point for former Representative Han's return.
Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party and a pro-Han figure, predicted that former Representative Han would resume activities as early as this weekend. He mentioned on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 4th that it's "his personal opinion" and that the former representative would likely move around this weekend or next week.
He also noted regarding the next presidential election, "It should be about right and wrong rather than approval ratings and interests," adding that "the person who establishes and executes the values of conservatism should become the leader of the party and the presidential candidate." If an early presidential election becomes likely, figures capable of 'centrist expansion' will be needed from the pro-government camp, suggesting that former Representative Han could soon resume activities with the prospect of running for president.
Political circles are projecting that the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon Seok-youl's impeachment trial could come as early as next month. If the court decides to remove the president, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. Based on past instances, such as the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, where Hong Joon-pyo, who was then the presidential candidate for the Liberty Korea Party (the former People Power Party), was elected within 20 days, delaying the timing of an appearance could risk missing the opportunity for a political comeback. A political source noted, "If the Constitutional Court reaches a decision on the impeachment trial by mid-March, a presidential primary must be held within 20 days, and if one appears after that, it may be too late."
There are also analyses suggesting that the results of Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, in the upcoming public election law violation sentencing trial scheduled for the 26th could influence the timing of former Representative Han's return. As the sentencing date approaches, divisions within the opposition party regarding Lee's judicial risks are expected to increase, and the confrontational situation between competing factions that has persisted since the impeachment crisis may weaken. In this case, there is a possibility that a space will open for minorities within the ruling party to voice their opinions.
In particular, amid the recent behavior of the People Power Party's leadership visiting the Seoul Detention Center to meet President Yoon, which is seen as out of touch with centrist public sentiment, pro-Han observers believe there is an opening for 'centrist conservatives' and 'generational changes.'
Former Representative Han has also recently resumed underground activities by meeting with political figures. According to political circles, he met with conservative elder and representative of Jo Gab-je, Jo Gab-je.com before and after the last Lunar New Year holiday, seeking advice on the current political situation and future steps. Former Chairperson Kim, regardless of party affiliation, has been referred to as a 'problem solver' and 'kingmaker' during political crises.
Right before the Lunar New Year holiday on the 24th of last month, he also had lunch with People Power Party member Jin Jong-o at a certain place in Yongsan, initiating a reorganization of the pro-Han group.
Pro-Han figures are also actively expanding their activities starting this month by launching a YouTube channel called 'Under 73 Studio.' Under 73 refers to younger age groups born in 1973 or later, spotlighting the generational change aspirations of younger conservative politicians centered around former Representative Han, who was born in 1973.
On the 7th, pro-Han figures including Kim and Park Sang-wook, the chairman of the Incheon Seo-gu People Power Party, as well as Ryu Je-hwa, the chairman of the Sejong City party association, are scheduled to visit the Kim Young-sam Memorial Hall to meet with Kim Hyun-cheol, the vice-chairman and second son of former President Kim Young-sam. Kim stated that the purpose is to "recollect the intent of former President Kim, who played a significant role in establishing a 'democratic conservative party.'"