Ahn Cheol-soo, a lawmaker of the People Power Party, said, "I oppose Han Dong-hoon's return to the party." The truth battle between Ahn and independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon over their actions during the December 3 martial law incident has escalated into opposition to Han's reinstatement.
At a press conference on the 12th, Ahn said, "I had kept open the possibility of Han's return to the party, but now I officially oppose it. Han should not even come near." He explained the reason: "After testifying as a witness in the trial of Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho, I witnessed a preview of how the party would be thrown into chaos if Han returns."
[Large photo: Ahn Cheol-soo, lawmaker of the People Power Party, attends the trial of Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho on charges of obstructing the vote on the lifting of martial law at the Seoul Central District Court on the 8th as a witness.]
Previously, on the 8th, Ahn appeared as a witness in the trial of Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho on charges of engaging in important duties related to insurrection and testified, "I heard that it was Han Dong-hoon, then party leader, who first suggested gathering at the party headquarters because the police were blocking access to the National Assembly." Han objected, calling it a distortion. Ahn refuted, saying his testimony was not false, and Han claimed it was a false incitement, leading to a war of truth.
Ahn emphasized at the press conference, "I testified as a witness in the trial of Mayor Choo, stating only the facts I heard and confirmed. I did not testify for anyone or target anyone, but only the truth."
Ahn added, "Han was also summoned as a witness in the same trial but never appeared. I urge him to testify in court to formalize his claims." He continued, "Han participated in preventing the December 3 martial law, but he was not alone in blocking it that day. Why should the history of that day become a heroic narrative solely about Han Dong-hoon?"
Ahn argued, "Pro-Han speakers attacked, mocked, and defamed a senior lawmaker from our own party who testified the truth in court. If Han is already causing this much trouble while outside the party, it is as clear as day what will happen if he returns." He added, "The entire party will fall into factional conflict and exhausting civil war, and the damage will be borne entirely by conservative and right-wing citizens. Han should not even come near our party now. If he is thinking of forming a new party, I will support him."
