Can Han Donghoon Follow the 'Lee Junseok Path'? [Sisa Show]

Kang Jeon-ae and Sung Chihoon: "The Situation and Dynamics Are Different from Lee Junseok"

Kang Jeon-ae: "Disciplinary Action Against Han Jia and Others Should Be Left to Party Members"

Sung Chihoon: "Han Donghoon Has Not Shown the Same Earnestness as Lee Junseok"

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily "Soh Jongseop's Current Affairs Show" (Mon-Fri, 4–5 PM)

■ Host: Soh Jongseop, Political Specialist ■ Producer: Ma Yena PD

■ Guests: Kang Jeon-ae, former spokesperson of the People Power Party; Sung Chihoon, standing deputy spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea (May 6)

※ When quoting this article, please cite "Soh Jongseop's Current Affairs Show."

Soh Jongseop: Hello everyone, and welcome to Soh Jongseop's Current Affairs Show. Today, we will be discussing various issues with Kang Jeon-ae, former spokesperson of the People Power Party, and Sung Chihoon, standing deputy spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea. First, the so-called "Oppa Issue" involving Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae seems to be lingering unexpectedly. Representative Jung Cheongrae told an elementary school girl to call him "oppa," which sparked controversy. There are reports that a similar incident occurred during the last presidential election as well.

Kang Jeon-ae: There are currently videos circulating in which Representative Jung Cheongrae, even in the past, pressured other women to call him "oppa." Rather than being an "oppa," it almost seems like he's an "Oppa Pleader." It's extremely inappropriate,and after this issue broke out, Representative Jung Cheongrae made a half-hearted apology. The Democratic Party must be in a tough spot because Vice President Kim Kwangmin of the Democratic Research Institute posted on his own social media questioning what the problem was, which had started to die down but has now reignited the controversy. He is a member of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council and was also the attorney for Lee Hwa-young. But what I don't understand is, if this issue is spreading so widely, at the very least, shouldn't he be quickly dismissed from his position as Vice President of the Democratic Research Institute?

Vice President Kim Kwangmin Further Amplifies 'Oppa Controversy'; Needs Firm Response

Sung Chihoon: Every word matters. Vice President Kim Kwangmin must realize how a single post can affect an election—he needs to get a grip. A single post like that is a massive blow to our party's candidates who are working hard in difficult regions like Busan or Daegu. By posting unnecessarily, he fueled the controversy for another day. When it comes to this controversy, our party has nothing to say. It was a mistake and a misstep, which is why an apology was made and we thought the matter was closed, but bringing it up again puts our party in a difficult position. As for his position as Vice President, the party will decide, but I think taking a firm stance would help in the election, though I'm not sure.

Kang Jeon-ae: This has been an issue since yesterday, but there’s been no word of his dismissal. I just don't understand.

Recently, Ha Jungwoo, a preliminary candidate of the Democratic Party who was involved in the 'Oppa Controversy' along with Representative Chung Cheongrae, has been meeting voters while touring the Gupo-dong area in Buk-gu, Busan on the 4th. Yonhap News

Soh Jongseop: Deputy spokesperson Sung, do you think Vice President Kim Kwangmin should resign voluntarily? And if he doesn't, do you believe the party should take action?

Sung Chihoon: It would be best if he did. I believe action must be taken. He is both a Gyeonggi Province council member and an attorney, but is a party position really that important for someone like him?

Kang Jeon-ae: At times like this, female members of the National Assembly should make clear their stance. If they had clearly stated that the Democratic Party would become a party more sensitive to gender issues, that would have been better. But that hasn't happened. It's still quiet. Although Representative Jung Cheongrae and candidate Ha Jungwoo have apologized, at the party's central level, no one is even bringing up the issue.

Soh Jongseop: But why did Representative Jung Cheongrae make the "oppa" remark?

Sung Chihoon: Representative Jung has participated in many elections and has experience interacting with people in markets and other places, so he is good at making people laugh through physical contact and jokes. Sometimes, though, joking around like this leads to controversy. From his perspective, he tried to use his strengths—especially traveling nationwide, which the media compared to Representative Jang Donghyuk. However, in this situation, his travels could become a liability. But he will probably continue to travel. Instead, he should tone down the kind of campaigning he usually does and focus on leveraging his real strengths.

Soh Jongseop: Will the Special Prosecutor for Prosecutorial Fabrication be postponed until after the local elections?

Special Prosecutor for Fabricated Prosecutions: Both Timing and Content Need Revision

Sung Chihoon: It appears it will be postponed. Not just the timing, but the content also needs to be discussed in a general assembly of lawmakers. It is difficult to convene during the election, but after the election, a general assembly should be held because even progressive lawyers and media have expressed concerns. Although I am not a lawyer, even I believe the special prosecutor should not be given authority to withdraw indictments. If the progressive camp says, "Are you against indictment withdrawal?"—that's not it. Through the parliamentary investigation, much evidence of fabricated prosecutions was revealed, so appointing a special prosecutor is justified. The special prosecutor's role should be to uncover further evidence so that prosecutors can be convicted, or dig deeper to get a guilty verdict in court. Then, regarding President Lee Jaemyung's trial, the court may naturally dismiss the indictment. If the court does not, and if the Minister of Justice finds the prosecution's fabrication to be criminal, the minister can direct the prosecution to withdraw the indictment since there was a guilty verdict. That’s how it should proceed.

People Power Party representative Donghyuk Jang and other lawmakers are shouting condemning slogans calling for the suspension of the ruling party's promotion of the 'Special Prosecutor for Prosecutorial Fabrication and Dismissal of Prosecution' during the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News

Kang Jeon-ae: The Democratic Party initially created a group of over 100 lawmakers called the "Meeting for the Withdrawal of the President's Indictment." The name itself was for the withdrawal of the president's indictment. Then it became an official party committee, followed by a parliamentary investigation, during which various testimonies emerged. On the 30th, as the investigation concluded, they reported everyone whose testimony did not fit their narrative for perjury. In the end, this has become a foregone conclusion. But if you file perjury charges, shouldn't you at least wait for a guilty verdict? Instead, they file for perjury and, considering this confirmation, push for indictment withdrawal. This makes it inevitable for the public to perceive the process as a foregone conclusion.

Furthermore, they argue that even supplementary investigative powers should be abolished. The special prosecutor would then have the authority to investigate, indict, maintain the indictment, and even withdraw it. This is the complete opposite of the current administration's efforts to curtail prosecutorial power. The logic is inconsistent, and there’s no way to persuade the public. Also, Korea operates under the principle of separation of powers. By introducing such a bill, the Democratic Party seeks to nullify ongoing trials in the judiciary. The legislative branch is trying to neutralize the judiciary, which is against the principle of separation of powers and therefore unconstitutional.

The Special Prosecutor's Right to Withdraw Indictments Should Be Removed

Sung Chihoon: I do not think the special prosecutor itself is unconstitutional. Given the belief that the prosecution engaged in fabrication, a special prosecutor is justified if there is such conduct. However, granting the special prosecutor the right to withdraw indictments could be unconstitutional. The special prosecutor bill even includes cases not covered by the parliamentary investigation. At the very least, the bill lacks the buildup, such as "The investigation revealed substantial evidence of fabrication and fraud; therefore, a special prosecutor is needed."

Although the party has paused for now, there is a high chance it will continue to press this issue, so I hope more lawmakers will argue for removing the right to withdraw indictments. After the local elections, I expect this concern will be addressed, with the right to withdraw indictments left out. Any lawmakers who do so, I would consider courageous. I've been checking Representative Kim Youngjin's social media all day, and I have a feeling he might do it...

Park Minshik, the candidate from the People Power Party, and Han Donghoon, an independent candidate, are greeting attendees at the alumni sports event held at Gupo Elementary School in Busan on April 26. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Soh Jongseop: In the Busan Buk-gap district, the race is now set between Democratic Party candidate Ha Jungwoo, People Power Party candidate Park Minsik, and independent candidate Han Donghoon. Park Minsik has declared, "There will be no unification." Do you see any possibility for a unified candidacy?

Busan Buk-gap: No Unification Expected Between Han Donghoon and Park Minsik

Kang Jeon-ae: There will be none until the end. Even if Park Minsik loses, he has a fallback. This is his original district, and when he went to the sports event at Gupo Elementary School, his mother and all six siblings—all graduates of the school—were there. Even if he loses this time, there’s another general election in two years. During those two years, he can reconnect with local residents and make amends for leaving for Seoul. For Park Minsik, with party members still harboring anger toward former Representative Han, it’s unlikely he would go so far as to unify candidacies and risk alienating his base. The structure just doesn't favor unification.

Soh Jongseop: If it remains a three-way race, who do you think will win?

Kang Jeon-ae: Initially, I thought Ha Jungwoo had the advantage, but the "hand-shaking" and "oppa controversy" have significantly damaged his image. If this atmosphere continues for about a week, I believe Park Minsik could seize the momentum. As for former AI chief Ha, he was a developer and only briefly worked at the presidential office, so he may find it difficult to discuss specifics. Former Representative Han, too, lacks legislative experience, so once debates begin, I think former Minister Park Minsik will have a clear advantage.

Sung Chihoon: Even though Park has these advantages, he hasn't been present in the district for six years, and I think that will have a major effect. As for Chief Ha Jungwook's controversy, as I mentioned earlier, he's currently "at two strikes"—he can't afford another misstep. But so far, he's holding up. Sometimes, when you're under pressure, you can become more focused, so if he can rally veteran supporters, he might still have a chance.

Party candidates may face some headwinds. Running as an independent provides a narrative of being a "victim" and gives resilience, but overcoming the party candidate's strength will be difficult. I don't think Park Minsik will win by a landslide; it'll be close. The race is competitive in terms of candidates, and although Ha is a political newcomer, if he minimizes mistakes and rides on President Lee Jaemyung's high approval ratings and the ballot proximity of Jeon Jaesu, the mayoral candidate for Busan, he could overcome his inexperience.

Han Donghoon's Election Strategy of Criticizing Jang Donghyuk Is Problematic

Kang Jeon-ae: I believe there are issues with former Representative Han Donghoon's campaign strategy, especially with his repeated criticism of Jang Donghyuk and the party leadership. He needs to win more conservative votes, but party members most often say, "Stop fighting internally." Jang is working to reestablish himself as leader, but Han's side keeps raising issues. Can People Power Party members and conservative voters support Han when he's constantly challenging the leadership?

Also, there are discussions in the Jang Donghyuk leadership about referring Representative Han Jia to the Ethics Committee. I don't think these matters need to be brought to the Ethics Committee. For instance, last year, when former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo indicated he would run as an independent, some People Power Party lawmakers stood by him, but they weren't disciplined. So there’s no need to escalate these issues. Any consequences should be determined by party members and voters, and the party should simply stick to its direction.

Han Jia, a member of the People Power Party, visited independent candidate Han Donghoon to encourage him on the 5th. The photo shows Han attending a party caucus meeting in May of last year. Photo by Yonhap News

Soh Jongseop: What is your assessment of the movement to discipline Representative Han Jia?

Sung Chihoon: Technically, it is a party violation, but as I mentioned, the Han Ducksoo precedent means the Jang Donghyuk leadership cannot say much. It's hypocrisy. Does the Jang Donghyuk leadership have the authority to criticize, given that when Han Ducksoo declared his independent run, floor leader Song Wonseok and others were also present, and spokesperson Kim Kiheung was assisting without leaving the party? Given such precedents, the current leadership has no grounds to speak. This Sunday will be quite interesting. Candidates Park Minsik and Han Donghoon will hold their campaign kick-off events at the same time and on the same day. Will pro-Han lawmakers choose to attend their own party candidate's event or the independent candidate's launch? The Jang Donghyuk leadership lacks both justification and leadership to discipline party violations or restore discipline. This will likely continue, causing friction between both camps, and as a result, their supporters may simply not attend either event.

When It Comes to Violations, Leave It to the Party Members, Not the Leadership

Kang Jeon-ae: I think proportional representatives will likely take the lead. Jang Donghyuk has already stated that he will not convene the Ethics Committee or discipline anyone until after the local elections. I hope things are resolved in that manner. We need to focus our firepower on the Special Prosecutor for Fabricated Prosecutions bill, and if internal conflicts resurface, the leadership will run out of time. I also think the media may once again focus on internal strife, so it's better to leave party violations to the judgment of party members rather than the Ethics Committee.

Will former representative Han Donghoon be able to follow the 'Lee Junseok's path'? Yonhap News

Soh Jongseop: Do you think former Representative Han Donghoon can follow the "Lee Junseok path" that succeeded in Dongtan?

Sung Chihoon: It's difficult. He will likely end up somewhere in between. Former Representative Lee Junseok left the party and formed a new one, burning his bridges behind him. In contrast, Han Donghoon is regarded by pro-Han lawmakers as someone who will eventually return to the party and as someone who left under unfair circumstances, so the narratives are different. Lee Junseok never discussed unification and ran to win in a three-way race. However, Han Donghoon's side has talked about unification from the start. Also, candidate Han Changmin was a complete political novice, while Park Minsik has 20 years of political experience.

Will Han Donghoon Show the Earnestness That Lee Junseok Demonstrated?

And finally, earnestness: just like how Lee Junseok's mother appealed to voters during his campaign, will Han Donghoon's wife, for example, go so far as to change her address to show commitment? Will he show that same level of earnestness? I don't think it's easy to follow the Lee Junseok or Dongtan model.

*Click on the video to watch the full content.

Kang Jeon-ae: The candidate's spouse is at the center of the controversy on the party members' bulletin board. There are many points to consider. Also, I think the constituencies for Han Donghoon and Lee Junseok are quite different. Lee Junseok built his base in Nowon and moved to Dongtan because it is a neighborhood with many young people and a strong base of male supporters in their 20s and 30s, who can spread his message explosively to other voters. That's why he suddenly moved to Dongtan. On the other hand, Han Donghoon's main support comes from women in their 50s and 60s. It remains to be seen whether these supporters can act as explosive messengers in Buk-gu, Busan—this is an important factor.

Soh Jongseop: During the campaign, Lee Junseok meticulously monitored Dongtan Mom's Cafes and issued specific pledges for each apartment complex. His campaign was very detailed. The question is, will Han Donghoon be able to conduct a truly locally tailored campaign in Busan Buk-gap? Thank you both for your participation.

Kang Jeon-ae·Sung Chihoon: Thank you.

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