Kim Jong-hyuk: "Han Dong-hoon Has Never Retired from Politics, Seems to Be Observing the Situation"

As the group chat 'Sijak2,' consisting of so-called pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) figures, was created, discussions about former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon's return have emerged. Former People Power Party Supreme Council member Kim Jong-hyuk explained that the group was reorganized by members who want party reform, regardless of Han's resumption of political activities.

Kim Jong-hyuk, former Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party. Yonhap News Agency

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On the 17th, former Supreme Council member Kim appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "Sijak2 seems to have originally included two People Power Party lawmakers, Jang Dong-hyuk and Jin Jong-oh, as well as former leader Han Donghoon," adding, "After those individuals were excluded, the rest reorganized the group."

He explained, "I don't think it is necessary to particularly link this to former leader Han Donghoon's position," but interpreted, "However, there is a shared understanding that not only within the National Assembly but also among out-of-parliament party branch chiefs, there is a need for a focal point for change and reform within the party."

Regarding the timing of Han's political comeback, he said, "Resuming is entirely a matter for him to decide," and added, "Since he has not retired, the term 'return' is not appropriate." He continued, "The political situation is rapidly changing right now. In this situation, issuing any message might not resolve the issue or calm people's emotions but could rather escalate tensions," and said, "Therefore, I think they are observing the situation."

Former Supreme Council member Kim criticized the party's move to support President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, "The party leadership wants to embrace President Yoon, but that is not right." He pointed out, "If the impeachment is upheld and removal occurs, they will have to change their stance, but changing positions will not be easy," and added, "Moreover, many parts that were not disclosed to the public during the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial will be revealed, creating a very unfavorable situation."

He continued, "If an early presidential election is held, the focus will ultimately be on what attitude was taken toward martial law and what the position on impeachment was," and said, "It will be difficult to propose policies in terms of timing, and I am concerned about how they will overcome this."

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