Handonghun Visits Daegu: "Even If I Go Back to That Night of December 3, I Will Prevent Martial Law"

Political Ups and Downs After Martial Law
"I Have No Regrets"

Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, who visited Daegu, said regarding the declaration of martial law on December 3 last year, which was defined as a rebellion, "I have no regrets." About the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, which is to be ruled by the Constitutional Court, he said, "I hope a decision will be made that aligns with the values of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea."

At a press conference with local reporters in Daegu that day, former leader Han expressed his thoughts on being at the center of political chaos following the martial law. Saying "I have no regrets," he added, "However, there were parts where I thought I should have thought more and listened more," but also said, "I believed that the people come first, and because of that, I had to endure the various pains and losses that would come."

Regarding the calls for President Yoon and others to express acceptance of the Constitutional Court's decision, he said, "The Republic of Korea is a great country with an established system," and added, "Accepting a decision does not mean thinking in your heart that it is absolutely right. Respecting the system and understanding the importance of order?that is where the Republic of Korea lies. Whether to accept or not is not a matter of choice, in my opinion."

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon holds a press conference at a restaurant in Buk-gu, Daegu on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo criticizing him as a 'traitor' and other terms, he said, "If it happens occasionally, I might say something, but if it happens every day, what can I say?" and added, "Everyone says I am finished, but I wonder why they talk so often about someone who is finished." On ways to overcome the 'traitor' frame, he said, "I sincerely apologize for the emotional issues," and added, "I believe they did it for the country and would not have done it unknowingly. Nevertheless, I apologize for any hurt feelings." However, he said, "Even if I went back to 10:30 on December 3, I would have stopped it," and "I am very sorry for the painful feelings."

When asked if he would meet President Yoon in the event of an early presidential election, he replied, "That is a question with a premise," and said, "I will not comment separately during this sensitive time."

After the press conference, former leader Han held a youth talk show at Kyungpook National University. Upon hearing of his visit, some citizens protested holding placards. Some citizens who heard the news protested holding placards opposing former leader Han's support.

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