Member of the People Power Party, Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo (Gyeonggi Seongnam Bundang Gap), on August 12 urged the exclusion of pro-Han Dong-hoon faction members from future parliamentary candidate selections, aiming at those advocating for the return of the independent legislator. Ahn, who supported the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol alongside the pro-Han group and is seen within the party as taking a moderate position, faced backlash from the faction during the insurrection special counsel trial. This has led to speculation that Ahn may be considering a run for the upcoming party leadership election or the Seoul mayoral by-election.
At a press event held at the National Assembly, Ahn said, “Individuals who align themselves with specific people outside the party (Han) and cause division within the party for this reason should be removed from the People Power Party.” He referred to the pro-Han group as a “reintegration activist group” and “lekka” (individuals who gather around popular events), stating that they should not be considered for support in the upcoming general election. These comments were seen as directed at certain members of the pro-Han faction currently under investigation by the party’s Ethics Committee and non-legislative figures who are active as television panelists.
Ahn sought the party leadership at the August 2025 convention, pushing for a complete separation from former President Yoon. Nevertheless, following his testimony as a witness in the insurrection special counsel trial concerning Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho, he encountered criticism from the pro-Han faction after stating that Han, who was then the leader of the People Power Party, directed members to assemble at the party headquarters before proceeding to the National Assembly on the day of the martial law declaration. Ahn later held a press conference against Han’s return to leadership and even proposed establishing a new political party.
In non-leadership groups, Ahn’s press conference was perceived as supporting People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who is against Han’s return to position. Ahn skipped a press event held by Gyeonggi lawmakers following the local elections, who called for Jang’s resignation, and instead went to a rally at Seoul Olympic Park, which has a significant conservative support.
A supporter of the Han faction suggested, “Ahn probably expects Jang to remain in power for a long time and is now supporting Jang’s strategy.” A high-ranking member of the People Power Party stated, “Ahn originally intended to run for the chairmanship of the National Assembly’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and Reunification but stepped down after Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon was ruled to have lost his position in the first instance. This indicates that Ahn is looking into the mayoral by-election or potential party leadership roles.” Ahn’s office replied, “It is unreasonable and improper to discuss the by-election before the Supreme Court decides on Oh’s case.”
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