Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, reiterated on the 24th that the government must exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto) of the national pension law amendment passed by the National Assembly, and that the ruling and opposition parties should discuss it again from scratch.
On the same day, before a lecture at the industry-academic forum held in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, former Representative Han met with reporters and responded to a question asking, "During my time as leader, I advocated for a reform of the contribution rate, but isn't my position different now?" He said, "Reform of the contribution rate is absolutely necessary," but emphasized that "the burden must be equitably shared among generations. The current reform of the contribution rate passed by the Democratic Party exploits and places the youth generation at a severe disadvantage, so it must not be passed."
Earlier, former Representative Han insisted that the veto should be exercised against the contribution rate reform proposal agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties the previous day. He emphasized that if a reform proposal raising the payment (contribution rate) to 13% and the benefit (replacement rate) to 43% is implemented, those born in the 86th generation (students from the 1980s, born in the 1960s) will benefit, while the burden on the youth generation will increase.
In response, some pointed out that it incites anxiety among the youth without proposing any practical alternatives, saying it "shows the extremes of irresponsible populist politics," according to Park Yong-jin, a former member of the Democratic Party.
Despite such criticism, former Representative Han stressed the need for the exercise of the veto.
He pointed out, "If we end with applause after 18 years, how can we proceed with structural reforms in the Special Committee?" He added, "If we let it go like this, we will have a flawed amendment for over 18 years, and the provisions that burden the youth will gradually become vague." He continued, "Have the youth agreed to receive unfair treatment? It's a fundamental issue," and stated, "I believe the voices of the youth must grow and they will speak out."
In response to Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform Party who has hinted at a run for the next presidential election, proposing the "Alliance to Prevent Pension Deterioration," former Representative Han noted, "Many voices are expressing that the contribution rate reform proposal is flawed, regardless of ruling or opposition parties or factions. I am glad to hear so many people voicing this," while avoiding a specific response. Earlier, Lee said on the same day, "We must ensure the important issues for future generations are not overshadowed by other political discourses," and suggested a four-party meeting with former Representative Han, former Representative Yoo Seung-min, and Representative Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party.
Former Representative Han also responded regarding whether the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment trial would positively impact President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial, saying, "South Korea is a country with a system," and that "it will make a decision in accordance with the constitution and the spirit of the constitution."