Consensus on the 'Han Dong-hoon Emergency Committee'... "We must establish a beautiful confrontation with Yoon" advice also given

The People Power Party, which has transitioned to an emergency response committee (ERC) system, held a joint meeting to discuss whether to appoint Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon as the ERC chairman. While many voices expressed sympathy for appointing Minister Han, no consensus was reached. Minister Han abruptly canceled his external schedule that day, leading to analysis that he is contemplating his position. If the 'Han Dong-hoon ERC' is established, it is pointed out that a 'beautiful confrontation' with President Yoon Seok-yeol is essential to attract the centrist voters.

On the 19th, People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Sang-beom said on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that "there was considerable agreement on the part of serving Minister Han," adding, "There was a strong demand for someone who could respond to change and innovation, and at the same time lead the imminent general election as the face of the party. The opinion that that person is Minister Han was strong."

Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon is attending the inauguration ceremony of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae held at the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Kim Byung-min, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, said on CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that "One thing is clear: there was no disagreement that Minister Han is needed in this general election," adding, "Even those who expressed opposing opinions argued that 'Minister Han should not be used in this way,' and there were not many voices of explicit opposition."

The day before, the People Power Party held a joint meeting with 33 party district chiefs, including incumbent lawmakers, to discuss the ERC chairman. Those who participated in the joint meeting agreed that Minister Han should play a role in the general election, but did not reach consensus on appointing him as the ERC chairman. There were also quite a few opinions that he should take on other roles, such as election campaign committee chairman.

Minister Han canceled his official schedule the previous day and only attended private appointments, leading to analysis that he has entered a period of deep consideration regarding his appointment as ERC chairman. Regarding this, Supreme Council member Kim said on Channel A's 'Political Signal,' "Even if he receives a lot of public support, coming as the ERC chairman of a ruling party in crisis and leading the general election is a different matter. It would not be reasonable if Minister Han is not deeply contemplating this."

If Minister Han becomes the ERC chairman, it will be difficult to avoid the opposition's 'prosecutor republic' frame, and he may also face criticism as 'President Yoon Seok-yeol's avatar.' Within the ruling party, there are also suggestions that Minister Han needs to redefine his relationship with President Yoon for the sake of winning the general election. Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook said on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' that "What he needs to do as the ERC chairman now is to expand to the center. (However,) to expand to the center, he needs to establish a confrontation with the president," adding, "(Minister Han Dong-hoon) will consider how to establish a beautiful confrontation."

It was also pointed out that a consensus on the role of the ERC chairman should be formed within the party. Former lawmaker Yoon said, "Whether in the party meeting or the joint meeting, a clear consensus must be formed in the future decision-making process on 'this is the role the ERC chairman should play,'" adding, "The party must clearly convey to Minister Han that he should accurately communicate public sentiment and demonstrate close communication with the people."

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