Han Dong-hoon, former interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), officially announced his bid for party chief on Sunday, along with lawmaker Na Kyung-won and former land minister Won Hee-ryong. Han pledged to propose a bill for a special prosecution into alleged interference by the presidential office and defense ministry in the investigation of a marine’s death in July 2023.

Han, a former justice minister and close ally of President Yoon Suk-yeol, emphasized his intention to establish more equal party-government relations, promising to provide “reasonable checks, criticism and suggestions” when necessary. Na vowed to revamp the party and ruled out a presidential run, while Won stressed his commitment to the Yoon administration's success. The PPP will hold a national convention on July 23 to elect a new leader following its defeat in April’s parliamentary elections.