Han Dong-hoon Critiques ‘Yoon Again’ Faction: What Does It Mean for South Korean Politics?

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[Herald Economy=Reporter Kim Yoo-jin] Han Dong‑hoon, the former leader of the People Power Party, on March 22 targeted a faction within his party he labeled the so‑called “Yoon Again” movement, criticizing it for attempting to override public sentiment. He also signaled he would confront the Democratic Party’s probe into alleged prosecutorial fabrication of indictments, saying, “Call me as the first witness.”

Han made the comments during a visit to Gyeongdong Market in Jegi‑dong, Dongdaemun District, Seoul. “The Democratic Party’s government has been neither competent nor just, yet voters appear even more disappointed in the People Power Party,” he said.

He accused the party leadership of failing to break ties with the “Yoon Again” faction and of purging rivals—actions that courts have since questioned—with no one taking responsibility. “Because of this, when we criticize the Democratic Party, voters ask, ‘Aren’t you also running counter to public sentiment?’ and turn away from the conservative camp,” he added.

Han also criticized internal comments about how to respond during the impeachment period. “There are people who say they would not participate in votes even under a martial‑law‑type situation,” he said. “You cannot win public trust with that attitude.”

He called for the party to reclaim “a proud, just, and competent conservative image,” arguing that rebuilding the conservative movement is essential to provide effective oversight of the government. “When everyone else hides, I will step forward,” he pledged.

Addressing recent polls that show the Democratic Party leading in the Daegu–North Gyeongsang (TK) region, Han said the results indicate that “politicians who lack justice and competence will not be accepted even in core conservative areas.”

On the possibility of running in upcoming by‑elections, he avoided specifics, saying, “Rebuilding conservatism comes first.”

He continued to criticize internal nomination disputes, acknowledging that excluding candidates can be necessary for reform but insisting the current party leadership did not make those decisions with reform in mind. “That’s why some people inside the party refuse to accept the outcomes,” he said.

Regarding the Democratic Party’s national probe into the “‘Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s alleged prosecutorial fabricated indictments,’” Han insisted, “Call me as the No. 1 witness. Let’s investigate this thoroughly.”

He attended the day’s events with lawmakers aligned with him and was joined by former Supreme Council member Kim Jong‑hyuk, whose disciplinary suspension was recently stayed by a court injunction. Han has continued visiting markets and local communities to press his message of conservative renewal.