South Korea's Han Dong-hoon denies betrayal, opposes martial law, defends rule of law
Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon spoke at a Talk Concert 2026 event in Seoul on the 8th, held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in the Songpa district. He addressed questions about whether he betrayed the country by entering politics or by his stance toward President Yoon Suk-yeol, insisting that his actions were in line with national interests.
“I was selected by the Republic of Korea,” Han said, arguing that if someone supported martial law, that would amount to betraying the nation. He said he and others in his position opposed what he described as an illegal martial law plan, arguing that a 21st‑century version of martial law would provoke bloodshed and that he, as party leader, asserted that such measures are unconstitutional and unlawful.
In an interview with Japan’s Nikkei on the 13th, Han reiterated that he does not agree with the view that one should refrain from opposing illegal martial law simply because it was initiated by President Yoon. He said he had been entrusted with a national mandate and stressed that he never betrayed the country.
Han said his refusal to back martial law stemmed from public interest. Drawing on his long career as a prosecutor, he said he has always aimed for national prosperity and public welfare, arguing that no public value should be placed above the protection of the state and the community.
Regarding the so‑called “Yoon‑Again” faction within the party, Han acknowledged that some supporters feel emotional or strategic resentment toward severing ties with President Yoon. He urged conservatives to move beyond Yoon’s line and said they are already heading in that direction.
On the role of prosecutors, Han defended their power as a safeguard for the rule of law. He noted that, during his career, he often conflicted with political power because branches of government sometimes seek to suppress dissent. He argued that while politics may clash with judicial norms, the judiciary and prosecutors must strive to uphold the law and principles.
Han also weighed in on Japanese politics, describing Sanae Takai as a strong personality within Japan’s leadership. He said such leaders gain public support through decisive leadership and drew a parallel to leaders like Donald Trump in the United States and Xi Jinping in China, arguing that a similar appetite for bold action exists in Korea as well.
Why this matters for U.S. readers: South Korea’s political stability and the independence of its prosecutorial and judicial institutions are central to the reliability of the U.S.–Korea alliance, regional security, and defense planning. Korea’s handling of emergency powers, rule-of-law debates, and leadership style can influence investor confidence, supply chains, and technology policy shared with the United States. The remarks also illuminate how Seoul’s conservative camp frames alliance politics, anti-corruption policy, and cross-border relations with Japan and China, all of which bear on American interests in East Asia.