Handonghun, Strategic Ambiguity Ahead of Special Prosecutor Law Re-vote... "Warning Against Party Committee Commotion"

by Yun Seulgi

Published 02 Dec.2024 09:25(KST)

"South Korea to Decide Position 2-3 Days Before Re-Vote"

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, has been criticized for adopting a 'strategic ambiguity' stance ahead of the re-vote on the special prosecutor law concerning First Lady Kim Geon-hee. In response, Shin Ji-ho, the party's strategic deputy floor leader, interpreted this as a measure to prevent internal division caused by the 'party member bulletin board (Dangge) controversy.'

Handonghun, Leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Shin, considered a close ally of Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon faction), said on June 2nd on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "The re-vote is scheduled for the 10th, and I think Leader Han will decide his position at least two to three days before. It is not too late to make a decision after considering all circumstances at that time." He added, "As some interpret it, this is also a warning sign hoping those who caused the commotion on the party member bulletin board would remain quiet."

He continued, "In fact, People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho issued a restraint order calling for a cooling-off period, and this aligns with that. (Leader Han) needs to have a leverage tool. The party should not be divided over a bulletin board issue that is beyond our capacity. That is why Floor Leader Choo called for a cooling-off period, and Leader Han maintains strategic ambiguity on the issue (the special prosecutor law concerning the First Lady), playing a complementary role in reducing internal noise," he explained.

Regarding the host's question, "If it appears that Leader Han is cooperating with the passage of the special prosecutor law for the First Lady, wouldn't that ultimately be a self-inflicted wound for him?" Shin responded, "The party has consistently maintained a position on the special prosecutor. The special prosecutor is to clarify the truth based on the principle of complementarity if social suspicions and public doubts remain after the prosecution's investigation has concluded." He added, "I believe a new position will be decided in line with this continuous stance."

Additionally, Shin addressed the prolonged 'Dangge controversy,' stating, "On the party bulletin board, about 1,000 posts are made daily, and sometimes up to 3,000. Posts under Han Dong-hoon or his family's names average 2.39 per day, which is only 0.3% if we consider 1,000 posts a day. This uproar was caused over something that was unreasonable from the start," he criticized.