On September 25, People Power Party leader Dong-hyuk Chang dismissed independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon’s potential re-entry as inappropriate amid ongoing police investigations into a party bulletin board controversy. In a sharp counterattack on Facebook, Han told Chang to stop interfering and to wear floral decorations while playing drums instead.
The core of the dispute centers around a party bulletin board issue.
The Re-entry Veto and the Bulletin Board Investigation
The rift broke into the open during morning media appearances on September 25. Dong-hyuk Chang addressed speculation regarding the reinstatement of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. Chang closed the door on any immediate reconciliation, pointing to active police investigations surrounding a party website incident.
“Until the party bulletin board issue currently under police investigation is resolved, even mentioning the issue of re-entry itself is inappropriate,” Chang stated during a radio interview. He framed the situation not as a localized dispute, but as something related to the fate of the conservative party. According to Chang, the controversy is tied to the historical fragmentation of the conservative party, the loss of the previous government’s executive momentum, and resulting tragedies.
The investigation in question stems from allegations that while Han served as party leader, he and his family members posted critical messages targeting former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his spouse on the People Power Party’s official online bulletin board. Civic groups filed complaints, prompting police to conduct an investigation.
Digital Retaliation and Symbolic Mockery
Han Dong-hoon responded via social media. In a Facebook post published on September 25, Han wrote, “If Dong-hyuk Chang doesn’t want conservatives to fight and win, he should not interfere” and told him to “keep wearing royal crown flowers and beat the drum.”
Han’s remark is interpreted as a jab at Chang’s recent public appearances. Chang had participated in protests—including demonstrations at Olympic Park denouncing infringements on voting rights—where he wore flower ornaments and played drums.
