Han Dong-hoon Takes Charge, 이준석’s Departure Rocks South Korean Politics

한동훈 Assumes Leadership, 이준석’s Departure Causes Political Stir in South Korea

Source: Donga Ilbo

South Korea News: 한동훈 Assumes Leadership, Questions Arise with 이준석’s Departure

Subtitle: The Future of the Party Depends on Balancing Integration and Conservatism

Former Minister of Justice 한동훈 will assume office as the new leader of the Liberty Korea Party tomorrow. His first task will be to address the fallout from 이준석’s departure, which has raised doubts about the party’s future direction.

The Liberty Korea Party, standing at a crossroads between integration and conservative reorganization, has seen factions expressing different opinions. The response to 이준석’s departure and the direction of conservative integration, led by the “한동훈 비대위” (한동훈’s unofficial committee), is being closely watched.

한동훈 has been focusing on formulating future operational plans for the party, such as the appointment of members to the conservative integration committee. Although no official announcements or statements have been made, it is evident that he is concentrating on internal party issues.

Assuming the role of the conservative integration committee chairman, 한동훈 is expected to face the issue of 이준석’s departure as his first internal challenge. There are no changes in the plans for the formation of a new party following 이준석’s departure.

Within the party, opinions on the approach to forming a new party vary. Some believe that if 한동훈 becomes the focal point of the ruling party, the momentum behind the “이준석 New Party” will weaken. On the other hand, there are opinions that internal unity is crucial ahead of the upcoming general elections.

With key member 김용태 deciding not to leave the party, support for the pro-Yoon faction is gaining strength. On the other hand, some lawmakers in the metropolitan area argue that it is necessary to embrace 한동훈 as a candidate to secure the support of young voters.

한동훈’s engagement in dialogue appears to be a strategy to differentiate from divisive politics. He previously stated that he has never thought of a specific individual in terms of their beliefs.

The appointment of 한동훈 as the new floor leader and 이준석’s departure have drawn attention to their impact on conservative integration within the party. There are conflicting opinions within the party regarding the importance of 한동훈’s role and the impact of 이준석’s departure.

Source: Donga Ilbo