SEOUL, South Korea - Former People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon, alongside two prominent party members, launched their campaigns for the party leadership on Sunday. This election could shape the future dynamics between the PPP and the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Han emphasized his commitment to establishing a more balanced relationship with the government, highlighting the need for the party to exercise its right to critique and suggest changes to government policies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the goal is to transform party-government interactions into a more horizontal relationship, allowing for constructive cooperation and necessary criticisms. The national convention scheduled for July 23 will decide the new leadership following the PPP's significant losses in the parliamentary elections last April. Han, having resigned after the election defeat, aims for a renewed leadership approach.
Further in the race, Rep. Na Kyung-won and former Land Minister Won Hee-ryong also declared their candidacies. Na, focusing on party reforms to secure future electoral success, has committed not to pursue a presidential bid, opting instead to focus on her role within the party. Won, on the other hand, voiced his intention to support President Yoon’s administration and ensure party and public opinions are accurately represented to the presidency.
The leadership contest, which also includes Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun, is primarily viewed as a test of Han's ability to reclaim influence within the party and its future direction. Han's previous close association with President Yoon has been scrutinized, especially following disagreements on handling sensitive political issues ahead of the elections.