Han Dong-hoon greets supporters at his campaign office in Busan after winning the parliamentary by-election in Busan's Buk-A constituency on Thursday. Yonhap
Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon won a closely watched parliamentary by-election in Busan's Buk-A constituency Thursday, capping a dramatic political comeback months after being expelled from the People Power Party and boosting his standing within the conservative camp.
According to the National Election Commission, Han won 42.99 percent of the vote with 99.5 percent of ballots counted, defeating Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo, who received 41.24 percent. People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik finished third with 15.76 percent.
Han hailed the result as a "historic victory" and pledged to fulfill the mandate entrusted to him by voters.
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the former justice minister and ex-ruling party leader, who entered politics in December 2023 when he was appointed head of the People Power Party's emergency leadership committee ahead of the 2024 general election.
After resigning as emergency committee chief following the party's disappointing performance in the general election, Han returned to lead the party after winning the leadership race later that year. He stepped down again during the political turmoil triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law and the ensuing impeachment crisis.
His political future appeared uncertain after he lost the conservative presidential primary and was expelled from the party in January over the so-called party bulletin board controversy.
Rather than retreat from politics, Han launched an independent bid in Busan Buk-A, campaigning on both local development and the need to rebuild South Korea's conservative movement.
The result is likely to intensify debate within the People Power Party over whether Han should be allowed to return. Supporters argue his victory demonstrates continued appeal among conservative voters, while party leaders aligned with the current leadership have opposed his reinstatement.
Source: Korea Times News
