Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, expressed his opposition on July 12 to Han Dong-hoon's return to the party. He argued that if Han were to return, it would plunge the entire party into factional conflict and destructive infighting, jeopardizing their chances in the upcoming general elections.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Ahn stated, "I firmly oppose Han's return to the People Power Party." Just a week prior, he had indicated in a media interview that he could consider discussing Han's return if he proved his innocence regarding allegations related to the party's member bulletin board or offered an apology.
However, Ahn's stance appears to have shifted following a recent court appearance where he testified in the trial of Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho, leading to a truth dispute with Han. Ahn had stated in court on July 8, "I remember that it was Han (then party leader) who first called for a gathering at the party headquarters on the day of the December 3 martial law."r />
In response, Han met with reporters the following day, July 9, and said, "I heard that the National Assembly was blocked, so I guided people to the party headquarters around 11 a.m. After confirming that access to the National Assembly was possible, I moved to the Assembly." He emphasized, "This is a historical issue, and I will respond firmly to any attempts to distort it."
After this exchange, Ahn criticized Han during his press conference, saying, "I only testified to the facts in court, yet Han has portrayed me as distorting and inciting. The behavior of the pro-Han faction is similar. They attack, mock, and vilify senior members of their own party."
He continued, "Labeling fellow party members as enemies and engaging in public opinion warfare is not only defamation but also a clear violation of party conduct. If Han, who is currently outside the party, is causing this much trouble, it is easy to predict what will happen if he returns. The party could be destroyed not by fighting the ruling party but by internal strife."
Ahn also remarked that the current truth dispute felt like a preview of what would happen after Han's return, asserting, "Han should not even think about approaching our party anymore."
Additionally, Ahn pointed out that despite being summoned multiple times as a witness in the same trial, Han has never appeared in court. He urged Han to testify in court to formalize his claims.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Ahn stated, "I firmly oppose Han's return to the People Power Party." Just a week prior, he had indicated in a media interview that he could consider discussing Han's return if he proved his innocence regarding allegations related to the party's member bulletin board or offered an apology.
However, Ahn's stance appears to have shifted following a recent court appearance where he testified in the trial of Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho, leading to a truth dispute with Han. Ahn had stated in court on July 8, "I remember that it was Han (then party leader) who first called for a gathering at the party headquarters on the day of the December 3 martial law."r />
In response, Han met with reporters the following day, July 9, and said, "I heard that the National Assembly was blocked, so I guided people to the party headquarters around 11 a.m. After confirming that access to the National Assembly was possible, I moved to the Assembly." He emphasized, "This is a historical issue, and I will respond firmly to any attempts to distort it."
After this exchange, Ahn criticized Han during his press conference, saying, "I only testified to the facts in court, yet Han has portrayed me as distorting and inciting. The behavior of the pro-Han faction is similar. They attack, mock, and vilify senior members of their own party."
He continued, "Labeling fellow party members as enemies and engaging in public opinion warfare is not only defamation but also a clear violation of party conduct. If Han, who is currently outside the party, is causing this much trouble, it is easy to predict what will happen if he returns. The party could be destroyed not by fighting the ruling party but by internal strife."
Ahn also remarked that the current truth dispute felt like a preview of what would happen after Han's return, asserting, "Han should not even think about approaching our party anymore."
Additionally, Ahn pointed out that despite being summoned multiple times as a witness in the same trial, Han has never appeared in court. He urged Han to testify in court to formalize his claims.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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