Former People Power Party representative Han Dong-hoon returned to the National Assembly on the 10th. It has been 115 days since he resigned from his position as party leader, taking responsibility for the passage of the impeachment motion against former President Yoon Suk-yeol. He noted, "I will unite and cooperate with all those challenging for the presidency."
As the 2 p.m. announcement of his candidacy approached, supporters of former representative Han gathered around the fountain in front of the main building of the National Assembly. He stepped up to the prepared podium amid the cheers of over 200 supporters.
Former representative Han explained that he chose the National Assembly as the venue for his candidacy announcement, saying, "I want to make South Korea a growing, future-oriented, and practical country, a nation of the middle class. This is the place where those things actually happened on the day of the founding of South Korea. The beginning and the end of democracy start with the National Assembly."
Former representative Han read the prepared candidacy announcement, recalling, "In the spring of 1992, I was a freshman in college. It must have been around this time when the cherry blossoms were blooming."
The name 'Seo Taiji' came out of his mouth. Former representative Han stated, "At that time, there was a song frequently played on 'Billboard'. I remember being deeply immersed in it. At first, it received the worst reviews from established critics, who questioned, 'Is that music?' Many felt betrayed by the fact that a rocker, who used to play BASS in a rock band, was now rapping and dancing. However, it didn't take long for him to become the cultural president who changed the era."
He emphasized, "Change of an era happens as if it explodes in an instant. Again, we stand before the call of a new era. It is the moment of choice to determine our future with our own hands."
He further emphasized, "Like that food with the same dish, I will end the old-fashioned politics that have continued with hostile coexistence by merely changing personnel. I will put an end to politics of vested interests that forces a choice within fixed frameworks like conservatism and progressivism, the Yeongnam and Honam regions, and white-collar and blue-collar workers." At this point, supporters cheered, chanting "Han Dong-hoon."
He previously mentioned 'Seo Taiji and Boys' and used lyrics from 'The One in My Fantasy' in the final part of his acceptance speech when he accepted the position of emergency response committee chairperson on Dec. 26 last year as he entered politics. Mentioning 'Seo Taiji' again today seems to emphasize his intention to achieve 'change of an era' in the political arena.
In response to the question, "Is there a candidate you want to unite with after your candidacy announcement?" he replied, "Now is the time to unite to prevent a dangerous regime from taking power and to stop the chaos in the country. I will unite and cooperate with all those challenging for the presidency." He emphasized earlier in his announcement, "The proud history of South Korea, built with sweat and blood over the past 80 years since liberation, is on the verge of collapse. We must prevent a dangerous person from becoming president and a monstrous regime from ruining the country at this critical juncture."
Regarding whether he has plans to communicate with former President Yoon Suk-yeol, he said, "I am not particularly in contact," adding, "I would think about reaching out if an opportunity arises."
On the speculation among some party members about the presidential candidacy of Deputy Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, he stated, "I don't think it's a matter for me to comment on," and added, "I think Deputy Han is leading the government well on behalf of the people during this crisis."
Regarding the planned transfer of the presidential office, he commented, "I don't think this is a matter to discuss at this time. Just because it's decided doesn't mean we can move in right away," and added, "While thinking about that, I will consider how to create good politics and how to make it winning politics." This remark is interpreted as targeting former Democratic Party representative Lee Jae-myung, who is reportedly reviewing the 'transfer' plan of the presidential office to Sejong City.
At the announcement ceremony, more than ten current lawmakers participated, including six-term lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae, three-term lawmakers Song Seok-jun, and re-elected officials Seo Beom-su, Park Jeong-ha, Bae Hyun-jin, and Kim Ye-ji, along with first-term lawmakers Jeong Seong-guk, Park Jeong-hoon, Kim Sang-wook, Woo Jae-jun, Ko Dong-jin, Ahn Sang-hoon, Kim So-hee, Han Ji-a, and Jin Jong-o. Supporters responded enthusiastically, saying "That's right" and "Han Dong-hoon can do it" every time he read from his candidacy announcement. They cheered until Representative Han left the National Assembly in a vehicle, waving their hands.
Before the candidacy announcement, Han Dong-hoon visited the leadership of the People Power Party. Interim chairperson Kwon said, "We welcome you back as an asset of conservatism," and expressed hope that he would paint a new blueprint for the future through a dignified vision competition. Floor leader Kweon Seong-dong stated, "As you hold a great ambition, I wish for your wishes to be fulfilled. As a party, we will do our best to provide all candidates with a fair opportunity to ensure a clean and inspiring primary election."