Possible Joo Ho-young–Han Dong-hoon alliance stirs politics

Mar 25, 2026, 08:35 am

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People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and lawmaker Joo Ho-young walked past each other after a closed-door meeting of regional lawmakers at the party’s Daegu office on March 22. / Yonhap News

Speculation over a possible alliance between Joo Ho-young and Han Dong-hoon is emerging as a key variable ahead of the June 3 local elections, potentially reshaping the conservative political landscape.

Joo, a heavyweight figure in the conservative bloc and currently vice speaker of the National Assembly, is rumored to be considering an independent bid for Daegu mayor after being cut from the People Power Party’s nomination. Meanwhile, former party leader Han has yet to decide where to run in the upcoming by-elections.

According to political sources on March 24, one scenario under discussion involves Joo running as an independent candidate for Daegu mayor, while Han contests a parliamentary seat in Daegu’s Suseong district—Joo’s traditional political base.

Joo has not finalized his next steps following the nomination cutoff and is reportedly reviewing a possible injunction request against the decision. Han also remains undecided about his electoral district.

Joo had urged party leader Jang Dong-hyuk to reconsider the nomination committee’s decision. However, Jang reaffirmed his respect for the committee’s judgment, making a reversal unlikely.

Political analysts say an alliance between the two could generate significant synergy. Joo’s strong regional base in Daegu—where he has been elected six times—could bolster Han, who lacks a firm foothold in the region. Joo’s past victory as an independent candidate in the 2016 general election further underscores his local influence.

Pro-Han lawmakers have also voiced support for the potential alliance. Rep. Jeong Seong-guk said on SBS radio, “Joo has expressed that ‘rebuilding conservatism through Han is our future.’ If Han joins forces with Joo, who carries strong symbolic weight in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, it would be highly meaningful.”

Rep. Park Jeong-ha echoed a similar sentiment on MBC radio, stating that Han is keeping all options open depending on Joo’s decision. He added that such a political alignment could produce unexpected results in Daegu’s voter sentiment and create a viable path to victory.

However, uncertainty remains over whether the alliance will materialize. If Joo runs as an independent, it could split conservative votes and expose him to criticism under a so-called “betrayer” narrative.

Han, for his part, may face political risks as well, including the possibility of losing initiative in the campaign if he aligns too closely with Joo.

Observers remain divided, with some predicting that the alliance is increasingly likely, while others caution it may serve merely as a pressure tactic to gain leverage amid ongoing nomination disputes within the party.

#Joo Ho-young #Han Dong-hoon #People Power Party #Daegu mayor election