Representative Cho Kyung-tae of the People Power Party, a six-term lawmaker, and former Auditor General Choi Jae-hyung, who is from the Audit Board, were appointed as co-chairs of the election strategy committee for Han Dong-hoon, a candidate in the People Power Party's presidential primary, on the 18th.
On this day, Han announced the appointment of the camp during a press conference at the Daeha Building campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul.
Six-term lawmaker Cho is known as a prominent supporter of the pro-impeachment faction. He served as the chair of the Special Committee on Bridge Gap Resolution, leading policies to protect the vulnerable within the party and expand welfare. Former lawmaker Choi stepped down as Auditor General after confronting the Moon Jae-in administration over allegations of manipulating the economic feasibility assessment of the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1. He later joined the People Power Party and served as a member of the 21st National Assembly.
First to speak was former lawmaker Choi, who said, “Han’s choice, opposing the martial law and supporting impeachment, was a very difficult and hard decision, but it was the right choice consistent with the common sense of the people.” He added, “Now is the time to create a new politics and open a new future based on the Constitutional Court's decision. At a time when there are many unresolved issues such as the tariff war sparked by Trump, we should reflect seriously on the political chaos that occurred and realize that we need to start anew alongside Han.”
Cho stated, “My duty is to support a new, resolute, and strong leader like Han Dong-hoon in protecting the constitution, upholding the rule of law, ensuring national stability, and safeguarding the livelihoods of the people, so that South Korea can achieve victory.” He continued, “I will make sure Han Dong-hoon becomes president, restore the spirit of conservatism that has been taken away, and contribute my small strength to ensure that South Korea ultimately prevails.”
The press conference was attended by current lawmakers Jeong Seong-guk, Woo Jae-jun, Ahn Sang-hoon, Han Ji-a, Yoo Yong-won, and Kim Ye-ji, as well as former Supreme Council member Kim Jong-yeok and former lawmaker Kim Kyung-jin. Han emphasized, “Not everyone is here today. A significant number of lawmakers who decided to join the camp could not participate today due to their legislative activities.”
According to political circles, it has been reported that Han is receiving support from over 30 current lawmakers. Eighteen lawmakers from the pro-Han faction, including Park Jeong-ha, Bae Hyun-jin, Seo Beom-soo, and Han Ji-a, attended Han's earlier declaration ceremony. However, concerns have been raised that many of the current lawmakers who joined Han's camp are proportionate representatives or first-term lawmakers without constituencies, resulting in relatively weaker organizational power compared to competing candidates.