Without vision, don’t run for chairmanship

Han must deliberate hard on how he can draw confidence beyond his own fans and reach the broader population before returning to the political stage.

The People Power Party (PPP) decided to elect its new leadership at a convention next month based on 80 percent votes from party members and 20 percent from general public. The governing party’s current rule on electing its leadership — 100 percent based on party members’ votes — was established to help elect Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, an ally to President Yoon Suk Yeol, as the party leader. But despite the PPP’s crushing defeat in the April 10 parliamentary elections, the share of public opinion still remains below the 30 percent before Yoon’s faction took over the party. Lawmakers in the capital region demanded that up to 50 percent be allotted to public vote while lawmakers representing the conservative bases of the Yeongnam region insisted on a lower ratio.

Many people expect former PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon to bid for the formal chairmanship of the embattled party after a short retreat from the political scene. Names of his running mates are already being floated. Han has been attacking opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung on social media and even exposed himself in photos as well as relaying his thoughts via confidantes. Such activities suggest he is readying a political comeback.

Before he does, Han must come up with a persuasive cause and differentiated vision for the PPP. He blamed himself for the election defeat and offered to bear all accountabilities.

Being true to one’s responsibilities and own words stands as the fundamental conservative value. The prosecution where he served for more than 20 years is an institution that makes sure that one pays his or her dues. A defeated commander returning to command in fewer than four months is hard to comprehend. The former PPP leader who prizes self-pride could have been cajoled into entering the party race. If he has decided to run, he must have strong grounds. The usual reasoning about the wishes of the party and the people and popularity won’t do. He should be able to present a refreshing campaign that can convince the conservatives as well as centrists.

It will be best for him not to run for election if he lacks such courage. He must speak frankly on the hot topics of special investigations into the suspicious death of a Marine or the first lady as well as other affairs, including his relationship with the presidential office. He must not tease through social media.

Fandom has become crucial for politicians. Han’s popularity is valuable for the conservatives. But fandom cannot last without strong content. Han must deliberate hard on how he can draw confidence beyond his own fans and reach the broader population before returning to the political stage.