The prosecutor-turned-politician is set to embark on a nationwide tour to promote his book, with the first stop in Seoul scheduled for next Tuesday. It will be his first public appearance in about three months since stepping down as party leader, shortly after President Yoon Suk Yeol's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law.
The month-long tour will take him to major cities across the country including Busan, Gwangju, and Incheon. Han is expected to hold lectures and signing events, engaging in talks with the public, in an apparent move for his return to politics.
In the book, Han reflected on the twists and turns of his brief political career, offering explanations for Yoon's botched martial law debacle. As Yoon's former close aide, he also expressed personal sympathy and regret toward the now-estranged president, who is facing the peril of impeachment at the Constitutional Court of Korea.
He was also adamant in criticizing Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, calling him "the most dangerous figure in South Korea," while accusing him that he would "possibly resort to extreme measures" if he wanted to retain his power. The currently strongest presidential candidate has been embroiled in a series of legal battles that could threaten his political future.
Since hitting shelves at local bookstores, his book has already topped bestseller lists, a testament to his enduring popularity with a horde of die-hard supporters. However, it remains to be seen whether it will kindle renewed spotlight for Han, who currently has only a small fraction of support within the PPP.
Meanwhile, other presidential candidates are also making their moves. Among them are Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the centrist New Reform Party, who recently hinted at his presidential bid while releasing a indie biographical film chronicling his political career, and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, who has already announced that he will resign from his post if a snap presidential election takes place, should Yoon' impeachment be upheld.
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