Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon said Tuesday that he wants to work with anyone who shares the goal of "rebuilding conservatism and restoring the balance of South Korea," directing the remarks at Jung Jum-sik, the newly elected floor leader of the People Power Party.
Meeting with reporters at the National Assembly, Han said, "Rebuilding conservatism is about the future, not about determining who did wrong in the past." He added, "In that spirit, I also sent a congratulatory orchid to floor leader Jung."
Jung, who holds the key to a host of pending party issues, has taken a cautious stance on Han's return to the party. Regarding Han's potential return, Jung previously said he was "someone who forms one pillar of conservatism," adding that "if he expresses his intention to rejoin, it is a matter that must be carefully considered by gathering the opinions of lawmakers and party members."
Meanwhile, Han took direct aim at People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, calling him "an obstacle to rebuilding conservatism" and saying that "he should know when to step down." He pointed out, "It is because of leader Jang that the party cannot properly raise issues over the faulty ballot situation," adding, "Because he has jumped on the bandwagon of election fraud to prolong his own position, he cannot properly capture the public's anger." He continued, "Politics is about taking responsibility. Conservative politics has always been that way, but leader Jang is making conservative politics a joke."
