▲ Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who was elected in the by-election for the Buk-gu Gap district in Busan, greets the assembly after taking his oath at a plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 5th to elect the leadership for the second half of the 22nd National Assembly.
Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has shared his stance on a potential presidential bid in 2030 and his future political path.
Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun reported on an exclusive interview with Han today (June 20).
Regarding a presidential run, Han stated, "It depends on whether the public needs me at that point in time."
The interview was conducted at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 17th.
During the interview, Han drew a line, stating that a presidential bid is not a matter for him to decide on his own at this stage.
When asked about his future political direction, he replied, "My goal is to return to the People Power Party."
However, he also signaled a need for a measured pace, adding, "There is no need to rush."
Han explained, "My goal is for the conservative bloc to become the majority party in the 2028 general elections."
He added, "I am willing to work with anyone who can walk the path of conservative reconstruction to regain power in the 2030 presidential election."
He also emphasized, "I have no intention of seeking revenge or exclusion for the sake of conservative reconstruction."
He took a sharp tone toward the current leadership of the People Power Party under Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk, who effectively expelled him.
Han directly criticized Chairman Jang, saying, "He is only maintaining his position in form."
He further strongly criticized him, stating, "He has already lost political authority and the legitimacy to lead the conservative camp."
"Under normal circumstances, there is almost no party leader who would not resign after a crushing defeat in local elections," he pointed out.
Han also left open the possibility of cooperation with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon or Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok.
Rather than discussing specific individuals, Han conveyed a principled stance that he is willing to work with anyone who shares the goal of conservative reconstruction.
He launched a fierce attack on the Lee Jae-myung administration.
Han raised his voice, saying, "They are destroying the institutions and systems that have sustained the Republic of Korea for the private interests of those in power, including the President."
He also expressed strong concerns regarding the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office and the establishment of a Public Investigation Office and a Major Crimes Investigation Agency, which are scheduled for this October.
He pointed out, "The biggest problem is that this institutional reform would not have taken place if it were not for the President's own judicial risks."
"It is dangerous to break down long-standing institutions for the convenience of those in power," he warned.
When asked if he would revive the prosecution system if he were to take power in the future, he answered firmly.
Han clarified, "Rather than a 'revival,' it is about normalizing the system that this administration has destroyed."
He left room for maneuver by adding, "In that process, reform or supplementation of the existing system's problems is also possible."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.