Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, who recently returned to the political arena, embarked on a 'communication initiative' through a book concert on the 5th. Although he refrained from commenting on whether he would run for an early presidential election, the fact that he broke his silence after resigning as party leader and directly met with supporters and ordinary citizens led to interpretations in the political world that he has begun serious steps toward a presidential campaign.
On that day, former leader Han appeared wearing a black coat and sweater along with sneakers. When he showed up at Youth Cultural Space JU near Hongdae Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, supporters chanted 'Han Dong-hoon.' He bowed his head in greeting, waved his hand, and shook hands with each supporter.
The book concert lasted over 100 minutes, including a Q&A session. In a 60-minute book talk with the concept 'Bye old era, Hi new era,' former leader Han shared his reflections on his conflicts with President Yoon Suk-yeol after taking office and decisions made following the martial law situation.
In particular, he expressed his struggles as a 'political newcomer' who has just surpassed one year in the political arena while appealing for support. Former leader Han stated, "Politics is really difficult. I increasingly think that way. I will return to my original intentions," and added, "The politician Han Dong-hoon and the individual Han Dong-hoon are synchronized. Therefore, I have the confidence to take responsibility for my words."
He said, "From the 3rd to the 16th, I sometimes felt that 'I could endure.' However, I had no regrets about the decisions made. I will accept criticism and would do the same even if I could go back again," adding that, "Looking back, I reflect on whether it would have been better if I had taken a little more time."
He explained that when confronting issues like legislative conflicts, the controversy over Myung-tae Kyun's nomination intervention, the Lee Jong-seop incident, and the reinstatement of former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyung-soo, it was a decision for 'good politics.'
Former leader Han asserted, "It was clearly the president who was making a wrong judgment," and added, "The people were also shouting for change. In such a situation, even if I was uncomfortable and attacked, I took steps to correct the course even a little. If I hadn't done that, I could have done politics much more comfortably," stating that "Some ask why I made such choices and created noise, but I do not agree. Pointing out and correcting things from the side is good politics."
He also mentioned future visions, such as welfare for growth. Former leader Han stated, "The reason for growth is for sustainable welfare," adding, "Sharing such goals could serve as a good motivation to move forward."
When mentioning Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, his tone rose. Former leader Han criticized Lee's 'K-NVIDIA' comment, saying, "I thought he was really dangerous. Isn't that the picture of a dictatorship nationalizing in South America?"
After the book concert, he met with reporters and commented on Lee's silence regarding the 'constitutional amendment,' saying, "It seems that he thinks of the presidency as a means to avoid crime," adding, "I regret that."
Regarding whether 'President Yoon's Constitutional Court decision should be upheld,' he stated, "It should be a decision that aligns with the spirit of the constitution." When asked for thoughts on interpretations that the book concert was a move for an early presidential election, he replied, "It is better not to make a rash statement in a situation where a Constitutional Court decision is pending."
The book concert was attended by around 10 serving lawmakers, including Park Jeong-ha, Ko Dong-jin, Bae Hyun-jin, Park Jeong-hoon, Woo Jae-jun, Jeong Seong-guk, Han Ji-a, Kim Sang-wook, Kim So-hee, and Kim Ye-ji, who are classified as pro-Han (Han Dong-hoon) faction, along with the 'four-term veteran' lawmaker Kim Tae-ho. Outside the assembly, former Supreme Council member Kim Jong-hyeok and former spokesperson Yoon Hee-seok were also present.
In particular, before the start of the event, around 200 supporters gathered on the road in front of the building. Many were women in their 50s and 60s. They divided on both sides of the road, holding signs such as 'We support Han Dong-hoon' and greeting pro-Han figures.
During the 'National Talk' answering questions from attendees, a young supporter even conveyed a lengthy letter. When the supporter said, "I believe someone like Representative Han Dong-hoon should definitely become president," former leader Han replied, "I am not doing politics to become something specific but with the heart to create a good country."