Handonghun's Presidential Campaign Kicks Off "Will Amend Constitution and Step Down in 2028" [AK Radio]

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon is rapidly advancing his political comeback, increasing the possibility of his presidential candidacy. Following the publication of his book titled "The People Come First" on the 26th, he revealed a noteworthy constitutional amendment plan in an interview with JoongAng Ilbo today. Han proposed that if he is elected president, he would carry out a constitutional amendment and step down in 2028. He suggested, "Three years is enough time to establish a new foundation for the country and amend the constitution," proposing that the presidential and National Assembly elections be held simultaneously in 2028.

Han explained, "If we only change players without a generational shift, our society will move toward more brutal and extreme conflict and confrontation," adding, "This time, one side has impeached 29 times while the other side has brought up martial law, breaking down the very line of restraint and self-control in our society," and stated, "The 1987 system was great, but now it has cracked and reached its limit."

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon stated, "If elected president, I will amend the constitution and then step down in 2028."

원본보기 아이콘

As a specific constitutional amendment plan, he proposed a four-year renewable presidential term while shortening the next president’s term to three years. Regarding the National Assembly election system, he said, "We can keep the constituency members as they are but convert proportional representation members into an upper house, introducing a bicameral system with a large constituency election system." Through this, he predicted, "People Power Party members can be elected in Honam, and Democratic Party members can be elected in Yeongnam, establishing checks and balances."

Regarding his relationship with President Yoon Seok-youl, Han said, "The current situation is certainly painful. How many years have we been through together?" and added, "If I were not in politics and were a private citizen, I probably would have wanted to help President Yoon on a personal level." However, he expressed his feelings by saying, "Politicians must think of the people first and separate the personal pain felt by seeing the president’s situation, but it is not easy."

※ Click the video to see detailed content.

Han showed humility regarding the recent rejection of him among conservative supporters, saying, "The martial law and impeachment phases were really difficult times for everyone," and admitted, "I still have many shortcomings." On the drop in approval ratings, he said, "For the sake of the country, I had no choice but to make that decision (lifting martial law)," and added, "There will be an opportunity to sincerely explain this to the people and supporters."

Regarding Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Han criticized, "If he is found guilty again in the second trial, he himself will know that he is not qualified (to be a presidential candidate)," and said, "Nevertheless, he will run in the election. That is why he is a dangerous person." He claimed, "The people are well aware that if Lee takes power, he will control the National Assembly, executive branch, and judiciary, destroying South Korea’s achievements."

원본보기 아이콘

Han, who published "The People Come First" on the 26th, plans to watch a performance about the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong at a theater in Jongno on the 2nd of next month. The widow of the late Sergeant Han Sang-guk, who died in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, served as his sponsor chairman during the July 23 party convention last year and is expected to attend the performance with him. Additionally, on the 5th, he will hold a book concert in Donggyo-dong to commemorate the publication and then tour the country to meet supporters through lectures and other events.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.