Ruling party's interim leader eyes post-election leadership

The ruling People Power Party's interim leader Han Dong-hoon stands on the podium at a traditional market in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, Friday. Joint Press Corps

The nominations of proportional representation candidates by the ruling People Power Party's interim leader Han Dong-hoon, along with his visit to the conservative stronghold of Daegu, indicate his efforts to step out of President Yoon Suk Yeol's shadow and position himself as a potential candidate for the next presidential election, according to political analysts.

The discord between the interim leader and Yoon started when Han was accused of intentionally prioritizing or excluding from the candidate list figures loyal to the president, such as Joo Ki-hwan, a prosecutor-turned-politician known for his close ties with Yoon, and Jin Yang-hye, a former TV announcer and close friend of first lady Kim Keon Hee. Joo was placed 24th on the list, a position that might not secure him a seat in the National Assembly. Consequently, he withdrew his candidacy in protest against the perceived disadvantage.

Instead, Han displayed favoritism toward those aligned with himself.

Kim Hyung-joon, a professor at Pai Chai University and former president of the Korean Association of Electoral Studies, said this kind of power struggle is common in elections.

“If Han wants to follow his independent political path, he should go his own way. Conflict with the presidential office is inevitable. A person who obeys the president without question does not have a future,” he said.

Park Chang-hwan, a political commentator, said, “Han is facing increasing calls to distinguish himself from President Yoon, who is already entering a lame duck phase. Han needs to reshape the party in its own image if he does not want to suffer the same fate as President Yoon."

On Thursday, when the party's election campaign began in earnest, the PPP interim leader went to Daegu, the stronghold of the conservative party, a move signaling that he is the new face of conservative party.

However, political analysts have noted that it remains to be seen whether Han will continue to lead the party after the April 10 general elections. They suggest that his leadership prospects hinge on the election results.

“Whether Han will stay or leave the party after the elections depends on his strategy for his likely presidential election in 2027. If the PPP loses in the general elections, it won’t be easy for Han to lead the minority ruling party. Another way is to leave the country for some time and return before the presidential election. That can be a way of maintaining his novel image,” Park said.

Kim said, “When Han entered politics, he literally said that his life is going to take a twisted path. What does that mean? If the ruling PPP wins in the upcoming April elections, Han’s conflict with President Yoon will only deepen. If his party loses, he is likely step away from all politics and look to the 2027 presidential race."

Recent surveys show a rise in Han’s popularity, placing him in competition with Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung, who competed against Yoon in 2022. According to a Matrix poll, released on March 5, 33 percent of 1,000 respondents said they would vote for Han, while 30 percent expressed their preference for Lee, if the two run for president in 2027.