Seoul: Han Dong-hoon, a prosecutor-turned-politician, has re-emerged in the political arena with the release of his memoir, "The People Come First," which became available in bookstores on Wednesday. This move marks his return to the political spotlight more than two months after he resigned as leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on December 16. His resignation was prompted by a significant internal conflict within the party over a motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han's memoir is more than a literary endeavor; it is a strategic move that signals his potential ambition to run in the PPP's primary, should an early presidential election be called. The release coincides with the Constitutional Court's final hearing on the impeachment trial of President Yoon, who is currently suspended from his duties and faces investigation on insurrection charges.
The possibility of Han's presidential aspirations materializing remains uncertain. The fate of an early presidential election hinges on the Constitutional Court's upcoming decision on Yoon's impeachment, expected in mid-March. Should Yoon be impeached, a presidential election will occur within two months; otherwise, Yoon will resume his presidential role.
Time poses a significant challenge for Han, as his once-considerable public appeal has diminished. Recent polls indicate a decline in his standing among conservative voters. A Gallup poll conducted from February 18 to 20 placed Han in a tie for fourth place with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, each securing 4 percent support. The poll, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, shows Rep. Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leading with 34 percent support, followed by Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo.
Han faces the formidable task of rebuilding his conservative support base, a challenge intensified by the ongoing anti-impeachment protests and President Yoon's rising approval ratings. His previous encouragement of loyalists to support Yoon's impeachment has strained relations with Yoon and his supporters, who view Han as a betrayer of the PPP's cause.
In his memoir, Han recounts his experience during the 14-day martial law declared by Yoon on December 3, which caused significant political upheaval. He portrays Rep. Lee Jae-myung as a politician who might resort to extreme measures to protect his political career, should he come to power.
Han appears to be positioning himself as Lee's main rival in a potential presidential contest, though it is unclear whether this strategy will be effective. To succeed, Han must demonstrate his leadership capabilities in navigating Korea's complex political landscape, doing so independently as he seeks to restore his political standing.