Four-Term Lawmaker Han Sunkyo Announces He Will Not Run... "Must Support Hwang's Leadership"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporter Kim Hyemin] Han Sunkyo, a four-term senior lawmaker who served as the first Secretary-General under Hwang Kyo-ahn's leadership, announced on January 2 that he would not run in the upcoming general election for Yongin-si Byeong District, Gyeonggi Province.

On the morning of January 2, Han held a press conference at the National Assembly's briefing room and stated, "I will not run in the 21st general election."

He said, "I have spent a long 16 years in the National Assembly, from 2004 to 2020. Now, considering the time, my own abilities, the party's circumstances, and above all, the current state of the country, I believe it is right for me to declare that I will not run."

Han added, "This is my duty to the party that has accepted, nurtured, protected, and encouraged me so far. Seeing the recent uncomfortable state of the National Assembly, I hope that my small decision can serve as at least a partial answer to those who have directly asked why the Liberty Korea Party is not changing."

By announcing his decision not to run, Han also expressed his support for Hwang's leadership. He emphasized, "There has been a lot of criticism, slander, and baseless talk about Hwang's leadership over the past ten months. As the first Secretary-General under Hwang, I have decided not to run in order to further support his leadership."

He continued, "While it is important to offer candid advice, creative suggestions, and even criticism to the party, if those who are currently stepping down are doing so with the intention of returning to the party later, I believe that is wrong. They must realize that they have been stripped bare."

Han highlighted the words of former Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil, who said, "Politics is a futile endeavor," and criticized the leaders of the ruling party and minor parties who passed the fast-track bills. He stated, "No matter how hard the National Assembly works to meet the people's expectations, the achievements do not belong to the lawmakers. Everything should be returned to the people. However, the leaders of minor parties have not engaged in a futile endeavor, but instead have acted for their own benefit, reaping the fruits for themselves. I hope that all lawmakers will remember the meaning of futility as they prepare for the 21st National Assembly."

At the end of the press conference, Han became emotional and said, "I am truly sorry to former President Park Geun-hye, who was impeached and imprisoned during my time as a lawmaker. Please forgive me."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.