Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon effectively made his political comeback with the release of his book on the 26th. He will resume public activities next week. He plans to expand his interactions with citizens, starting with the release of his autobiography and a book concert.
On this day, the former leader published his work titled 'The People Come First,' signaling his return to politics. This comes about 70 days after stepping down as party leader following the '12.3 Emergency Martial Law Situation' ahead of President Yoon's Constitutional Court impeachment decision.
Starting next week, he will actively engage in public activities. His plan includes a nationwide book concert, likely to be held on the 4th of next month, although it hasn't been finalized. He is also reportedly planning to engage with supporters and ordinary citizens through meetings.
A key figure from Han's faction noted in a conversation with ChosunBiz, "Nothing is finalized, but we expect him to make an appearance from next week" and added, "We are considering all options for his return based on the public reaction to the book. Options such as meetings with young people are also on the table. Everything is still fluid at this point."
Han's return is interpreted as being mindful of a potential early presidential election. Another figure from his faction remarked, "It is about resuming activities as a politician," while cautioning against overly broad interpretations. However, they added, "It's not that we can assume an early presidential election has been confirmed, but we also cannot disregard the possibility of it."
The work released that day prominently emphasizes 'politician Han Dong-hoon.' It states, "To be in a position to make nationally significant decisions, one must have experience in organizational management or on the front lines of politics," and, "Having served as Minister of Justice for two years and as the party's crisis committee chairman and representative, I have undergone unparalleled rigorous training over three years." This suggests an assertion of his capability to run for president despite his brief political experience.
Upon returning to the political stage, Han is expected to rally the 'pro-impeachment' faction and appeal for support from the centrist conservatives. Within the political landscape, it is evaluated that Han has the greatest 'centrist expansion potential' among figures often discussed as future presidential contenders, such as Kim Moon-soo, Oh Se-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo. There are expectations that he can garner centrist support by saying, "Let’s cross the sea of martial law," given the ruling party's inability to distance itself from President Yoon and its struggles to break from hardline supporters.
Recently, as presidential contenders like Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo have become embroiled in the 'Myeongtaek-kyun issue,' voices within the party have cautiously emerged, stating that "there is no figure to be put forth for the main election."
Additionally, Han may emphasize his role as the 'anti-Lee Jae-myung appropriate candidate,' aiming to consolidate the conservative support that had turned away. Actually, his first message upon returning on this day directly targeted the legal risks faced by Representative Lee. Han stated, "I am ready to be the guard that protects the people. You should face your trial well." He wrote in his book that 'Representative Lee might resort to extreme measures like martial law,' to which he strongly criticized by saying, "What can a dog see?"
Some are evaluating that Han's return presents a serious opportunity for the ruling party to consider incorporating him, who symbolizes 'centrist conservatism.' At the same time, there is a view that Han himself needs to show a different side than before. Han drew attention by revealing his personal regrets and sympathy towards President Yoon in his autobiography.
Choi Jin, the head of the Presidential Leadership Research Institute, stated, "It is clear that he possesses centrist expansion capabilities. In a broader context, this is an asset for the People Power Party. The book craze also shows that there is still a fandom. Therefore, the People Power Party should actively utilize Han instead of sidelining him."
He further noted, "The point of interest will be whether the formerly tumultuous Han can show a different side as he enters the presidential race, given that the current situation is one where contenders are comparable, but differentiation is necessary. If we continue with similarly positioned candidates, it will be difficult to expect a better future."