Han Dong-hoon: "Competing with Oh Se-hoon? Only in 2030 Presidential Election... We Share Causes to Pursue"

[SBS News Briefing]

When quoting this interview, please explicitly cite the program name 'SBS <News Briefing>'. Copyright belongs to SBS.

■ Broadcast: SBS <News Briefing> Mon–Fri (14:00–15:20)
■ Host: Park Jin-ho, Senior Editorial Writer
■ Guest: Han Dong-hoon, Independent Lawmaker
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● Interview
Han Dong-hoon / Independent Lawmaker

"Appears to be a special prosecutor to drop charges intended to appease Lee Hwa-young"
"Facts regarding 'fabricated indictment' are vague... DP cannot specify what illegalities occurred"
"This is the first time a special counsel is sought to evade punishment"
"The weight and tides of public sentiment are formidable... I will pursue politics with humility"
"The U.S. may not always be just, but for South Korea, it is a reality that must be overcome"
"Problem-solving starts with facing reality... The government takes a naive view"
"The United States is a reality... We must maximize national interests in line with that reality"
"Coalitions are for the people, not for politicians"
"Viewing alliances like the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' focuses only on personal gains"
"There are causes that Oh Se-hoon and I must jointly pursue"
"Competition with Oh Se-hoon? Only in the presidential election... That is still a long way off"
"We must each do our best in our respective positions to normalize the Republic of Korea"
"The current structure instills fear of nomination exclusion in both parties"
"A structure must be built where nominations and free speech are minimally affected regardless of who leads the party"
"I am doing my best as a major pillar of common-sense conservatism"
"Reinstatement to the party will follow public sentiment and natural course"
"Demanding team play from someone dismissed from the team is absurd"
"President's messaging shows selective bias... Abusing the weight and destructive power of words"
"President's messaging shows selective bias... Abuse of position"
"The weight and destructive power of presidential words belong to the Republic of Korea, not an individual"

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▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon joins us today on News Briefing. Welcome.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Good to see you.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: You came straight from the National Assembly, right? We should start with the most pressing issue. Today, the ruling party plans to pass a special prosecutor bill on alleged fabricated indictments. Although they decided to exclude the controversial authority to drop charges, some say it is still possible, and public sentiment remains divided while concerns appear even greater. How do you view this?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Although it is billed as a special prosecutor bill on fabricated indictments, it is essentially a bill aimed at dismissing charges against Lee Jae-myung. Since no one would simply drop the charges and the risk is too high, the intention is to use a special prosecutor they can control like a puppet to make the cases involving President Lee Jae-myung appear flawed, and then dismiss the charges. The objective is clear. However, I found it rather questionable that they brought this up so abruptly at this juncture. This is my conjecture, but it seems Lee Hwa-young is issuing very strong threats. He applied for parole, requested a retrial, demanded release by December, and even talked about filing a petition with the UN. In short, as complaints escalate along the lines of "Why aren't you releasing me when this administration was born because I kept my mouth shut?", I even view this as a special prosecutor bill to drop charges designed to appease Lee Hwa-young. Because, Anchor, they call it a special prosecutor for fabricated indictments, right? The goal is proving fabrication, but normally, when public outrage arises over specific facts—such as who fabricated what, how it was done, what collusion occurred, or what testimony was forged—people demand a special prosecutor. Among more than a dozen issues here, including eight or nine cases like Wirye, Daejang-dong, and remittances to North Korea, have you ever heard of any specific forged evidence? In concrete terms.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Perhaps issues like using the term 'above' instead of 'Wirye' in some terminology.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: That hardly warrants such an argument. For instance, if allegations surfaced showing that funds were never sent to North Korea but remittance slips were forged using AI, or that someone falsely posed as a North Korean counterpart, that might be one thing. But even the Democratic Party cannot articulate any specific, serious illegalities in the investigation process. I asked them: That is all well and good, but what exactly do you claim was forged, and what was fabricated? They cannot answer.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Meaning the grounds for a fabricated indictment are insufficient.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Setting aside grounds, the facts themselves are ambiguous. Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice and various committees conducted numerous investigations. They scrutinized Prosecutor Park Sang-yong, yet even concluded the so-called 'salmon and alcohol party' allegation was untrue. They could not even impose disciplinary action. So without even knowing whether there is anything the Ministry of Justice failed to uncover, they are simply pushing through this special prosecutor on fabricated indictments.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Are you suggesting that even if a special prosecutor investigates, nothing might come out of it?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Right now, there is nothing there. Unless they fabricate something, nothing will come out. This cannot exist unless that special prosecutor fabricates an investigation. Also, looking historically, since the founding of the Republic of Korea, there have been about twenty-some special prosecutors. All 100% of those special counsels were aimed at punishing someone; this is the very first time a special counsel has been pursued with the goal of helping someone evade punishment.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. The People Power Party has announced filibusters as well as protests outside the National Assembly. Do you plan to participate, Representative Han? Is participation possible for you?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: I view this not as an issue concerning a specific political faction, but as a struggle to defend the democratic republic of Korea. Democracy means gaining power through majority rule. However, republicanism means that even when gaining power through majority rule, one must abide by the separation of powers and adhere to the law. They are completely dismantling that, and if that collapses, the Republic of Korea becomes a jungle.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. Let us wrap up the special prosecutor issue here. As you are active on the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, you must have seen the results of the U.S. midterm elections yesterday. What were your thoughts?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Seeing how formidable the waves and weight of public sentiment are anywhere in the world, I thought that one must engage in politics with humility.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: To engage with humility. So you are connecting that to domestic politics?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Indeed. While the Democratic Party is currently running rampant with nearly 160, 180, or close to 200 seats, I believe the public is sternly watching this overreach.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. There appears to be a shift in leadership under the Trump administration, while multiple signs recently pointed to friction in South Korea–U.S. relations. In my view, rather than solely blaming diplomatic capability, America's unstable and altered posture might also be a factor. Do you think our diplomatic authorities are handling South Korea–U.S. relations poorly?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: First, let me state this: The United States can sometimes be unjust, as in circumstances like now. However, from South Korea's standpoint, the United States is a reality. It is a reality that must be overcome and dealt with, and I want to emphasize that the U.S. is a reality we must navigate. During the parliamentary audits of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, I pointed out based on concrete facts that problems had arisen in South Korea–U.S. relations, stemming from remarks made by several figures with pro-China tendencies and subsequent U.S. concerns regarding the current South Korean government's attitude. During the audit, I disclosed that on September 18, issues arose between Rubio and Minister Cho Hyun—not saying whether it was right, but that it was actually conveyed—which was essentially a clear message stating that they could not work with the current intelligence line. I virtually revealed such issues along with the entry issue involving National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok. Yet our diplomatic authorities were merely busy denying it repeatedly. Eventually, they admitted most of it. Ultimately, solving problems begins with facing reality. They are taking a somewhat naive view.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: A naive view.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: In other words, the concerns the U.S. holds regarding South Korea's current foreign policy and related matters are greater than thought, and that is not just an issue with a Republican administration. In fact, a Democratic administration can be even firmer on matters such as relations with China. Most clearly, regarding General Brunson, the commander of USFK recently—

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: On the transition of wartime operational control.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: The Democratic Party criticized him very harshly, bordering on personal attacks. Yet it was a Democratic administration that appointed General Brunson. Ultimately, this does not merely represent a Trump administration stance; it is clear that the U.S. does not agree with the Lee Jae-myung administration's approach of setting deadlines and pushing the transition forward. Then the question is how to resolve this, but attacking a four-star general named Brunson who makes that case only worsens the problem.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. With President Trump suffering a crushing defeat in the election, concerns are emerging that he might take erratic actions. First with wars, and for Korea, regarding tariffs. What changes do you foresee?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: As I mentioned earlier, the United States is a reality. Whether it is a Trump administration or a Democratic administration, our objective must be to adapt to that reality and extract national interests to the maximum extent. While it is not appropriate for me to speak of "erratic actions" regarding the leader of an ally nation, America's domestic situation has clearly worsened, and there is a possibility he might take diplomatic actions to address that. However, North Korea's situation has also changed significantly. Following the Russia–Ukraine war, North Korea's economic situation improved—much like the economic boom we enjoyed during the Vietnam War—and it has become an international player. Under current circumstances, North Korea does not necessarily need the lifting of U.S. sanctions as desperately as before. Taking such circumstances into account, I believe we need multidimensional, cool-headed policies focused solely on the national interest.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. Moving on to politics: With Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon acquitted in his second trial, conservative supporters have high hopes for unity, and there is particular interest in an alliance or cooperation between you and Mayor Oh. What do you think of the "Three Kingdoms" comparison?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Whenever alliances are mentioned, I always say this: Coalitions are not for politicians; they are for the people. If you view it through a character-driven lens like the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it merely highlights personal relationships between politicians. As mentioned earlier, I believe coalitions are built on justifiable causes, not personal ties. The current cause is overcoming the crisis facing the democratic republic caused by the Democratic Party's continuous actions, and presenting a vision to dismantle polarization. People who share such causes naturally come together. Viewing it in a Three Kingdoms fashion reduces it to calculating the individual interests of the players. I do not think politicians' personal interests should take precedence.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: You mentioned alliances are for the people. In fact, footage showed you two meeting yesterday at the JoongAng Forum. From news reports, you seem to have crossed paths at least three times since the verdict—at a memorial hall, at the National Assembly, and elsewhere. Do you talk much personally? What do you discuss when you meet?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: We exchange warm regards. In this nonsensical situation, I believe that when sensible conservative politicians each strive to gain greater public resonance, the sum of those efforts will ultimately change the world. In that sense, whenever I see him, I always offer words of encouragement.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Both supporters and the media seem to frame you two as rivals. Mayor Oh recently mentioned meeting soon; has there been any concrete progress? Is a schedule set, or have you thought about what to discuss when you meet?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: The answer lies in what I just said. We share common causes to pursue in the same place: rebuilding conservatism, defending the democratic republic, fostering national growth while addressing polarization. When we meet and discuss these goals, it is reassuring to confirm that we are indeed looking in the same direction. As for the competition you mentioned: Mayor Oh is the mayor of Seoul, and I am in the National Assembly practicing parliamentary politics. The only scenario where we would compete is the 2030 presidential election, isn't it? That is still a long way off. Before that, doing our best in our respective positions to normalize the Republic of Korea is what matters, and I consider that to be solidarity.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. Regarding your relationship with Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok, you held a forum on party reform two days ago with bottom-up nominations as the theme. Do you agree with interpretations that this was aimed at current leader Jang Dong-hyeok and the party's mainstream leadership?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Having engaged in party politics, I believe fear haunts both major parties like a specter. That fear is nothing other than the dread of being excluded from nominations despite having sufficient qualifications to receive the public's choice. Under the current structure, that is entirely possible in both parties. And there is the fear of being ostracized by a vocal minority of hardline supporters who dominate the party. I have come to believe that reforming political parties means institutionally minimizing these two fears.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: You mean creating an environment where lawmakers can work better.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Whether I become party leader or someone else does, we must create a structure where party leadership has minimal influence over general election nominations and lawmakers' freedom of speech. I believe only then can we win. Under the current structure, instead of offering the public a menu of the best candidates to choose from, party leaders offer a menu consisting only of those who are compliant and willing to deal. If the difference between the menus were minor, it would not matter, but right now we present drastically different menus to the public. To earn love and trust from the people, we must establish a system capable of presenting the former menu. Concretely speaking, wherever I go, for nearly a year I have heard talk about reinstatement. Many people, barring extreme elements, say 'Han Dong-hoon is essential ahead of the general election.' Yet the reason many claim it is premature is fear regarding nominations—fearing increased competition, reluctance to share the fruits, or avoiding new variables. Ultimately, the current party structure cannot form a lineup that is most trusted, loved, and ready to work for the public. The disconnect has grown too vast. If we ensure predictability and reasonable expectations regarding nominations regardless of who takes party leadership, people would not risk everything in bloody fights over party hegemony.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: I understand what you mean. Have you heard the phrase 'I-Oh-Je-Han' (Embrace Oh, Exclude Han)? It appeared in today's newspapers.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: What does 'I-Oh-Je-Han' mean?

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: It implies drawing Mayor Oh Se-hoon closer while keeping Representative Han Dong-hoon at bay.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Isn't it just more of the same talk?

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: People speculate that Leader Jang Dong-hyeok's side is actively seeking an alliance with Mayor Oh while sidelining Representative Han, attempting to check you while harnessing synergy with Mayor Oh. What do you think?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Since Mayor Oh is not in a position to challenge for party leadership anyway, it seems like an attempt to leverage both sides. But let me emphasize once again: good politics is done not for politicians, but for the people, party members, and supporters. I hope they engrave that deeply in their minds.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. This is a question you must hear often: Have you considered a timeline for your reinstatement to the party?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Since becoming a lawmaker on June 3, I derailed the appointment of Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won over his brother's poison-related lobbying scandal, held a one-person protest to expedite the DMZ investigation, confronted distorted myth-making around former President Roh Moo-hyun, and pointed out fissures in South Korea–U.S. relations, working diligently throughout. I am doing my best as a lawmaker, and I believe I am already doing my utmost as a major pillar of sensible conservatism. While those waiting may feel frustrated in various ways, I believe things will ultimately follow public sentiment and take their natural course.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. Here is a question from our News Briefing production team: Some criticize that while your individual skill is outstanding, your team play is lacking. What is your response?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: I was kicked off the team. Demanding team play from someone dismissed from the team seems absurd. Furthermore, I believe a politician must form a team with the people. And although it was a brief period, I underwent many ups and downs. I doubt anyone has been ousted as many times as I have in such a short period. Throughout that time, many politicians who share trust, common causes, and identical goals have stood with me.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: I trust them and engage in team play with them. As I said before, I am on the same team with everyone who shares a common cause, not just personal ties.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Let me ask one final question. You are also very active on social media, Representative Han. In the past, people often saw you playing guitar on YouTube.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: I shouldn't have done that.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: There has been much discussion regarding President Lee Jae-myung's continuous social media posts, and starting today, he is reportedly launching a YouTube channel called 'The President's Y.' While this could be seen as political styles shifting alongside the media environment, citizens might also see both pros and cons. How do you view this?

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: A president should not behave that way. If the messages President Lee Jae-myung posts were genuinely monitored at a national level and properly refined, there would be no problem. But posting indiscriminately whatever suits his palate, even directly citing false information from online communities, displays presidential bias. Furthermore, looking at the times they are posted, no matter how hard public servants work, they do not appear to be reviewing potential issues with what the president posts at those hours. If he were an individual politician, that would be one thing, but he is the president. Ultimately, the weight and destructive power carried by his words are immense, and I believe he is abusing them. Moreover, the weight and destructive power of the president's words do not belong to Lee Jae-myung as an individual; they belong to the Republic of Korea. I want to say that they must be used for the sake of the Republic of Korea.

▷ [Anchor Park Jin-ho]: Understood. You must head back to the National Assembly now. That was Representative Han Dong-hoon. Thank you.

▶ [Independent Lawmaker Han Dong-hoon]: Thank you.

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※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.