Jeon Han-gil Challenges Conservative Leadership: "Who Really Owns the Right Wing - Han Dong-hoon or Me?"

The Rise of a Controversial Conservative Voice

In the tumultuous landscape of South Korean politics, few figures have generated as much heated debate as Jeon Han-gil, a former Korean history instructor who has transformed into one of the most polarizing voices in the conservative movement. His recent challenge to established party leadership has sent shockwaves through the People Power Party, raising fundamental questions about the direction of South Korea's conservative bloc.

Jeon's emergence as a political force began during the martial law crisis in December 2024, when he became a vocal defender of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's controversial decision. What started as YouTube commentary quickly evolved into a full-fledged political movement, with Jeon positioning himself as the authentic voice of the conservative base. His inflammatory rhetoric and unwavering support for Yoon have made him both a hero to hardcore conservatives and a lightning rod for criticism from mainstream party figures.

The former educator's transformation from classroom teacher to political firebrand reflects broader tensions within South Korea's conservative movement. As traditional party leaders struggle to distance themselves from Yoon's legacy while maintaining their conservative credentials, figures like Jeon have filled the vacuum with unapologetically extreme positions that resonate with the party's most dedicated supporters.

The Explosive Rally Speech That Shook Conservative Politics

On June 18, 2025, as former President Yoon Suk-yeol faced a crucial detention review hearing, approximately 200 supporters gathered near the Seoul Central District Court, waving Korean and American flags while chanting slogans demanding his release. Among them was Jeon Han-gil, whose speech that day would ignite a firestorm within conservative circles.

Standing before the crowd of faithful supporters, Jeon delivered what many consider his most provocative statement yet: "Han Dong-hoon and Kim Yong-tae are telling me to get out quickly, but who is the real owner of the conservative right wing - Han Dong-hoon or Jeon Han-gil?" His words cut to the heart of an ongoing power struggle within the People Power Party, where establishment figures have been increasingly uncomfortable with his growing influence.

The emotional climax of his speech came when Jeon revealed that former President Yoon had personally called him after completing two rounds of questioning by the special prosecutor's team, simply to say "thank you." As he recounted this moment, Jeon's voice broke with emotion, tears streaming down his face as he described the gratitude of a president he believes has been unjustly persecuted. This personal connection to Yoon has become central to Jeon's political identity and his claim to leadership within the conservative movement.

Party Membership Controversy and Leadership Backlash

Jeon's late entry into the People Power Party in June 2025 has created significant internal turmoil, with party leadership scrambling to address the controversy surrounding his membership. Song Eon-seok, chairman of the People Power Party Emergency Response Committee, has publicly acknowledged the party's concerns about Jeon's presence, stating that they are "listening to and collecting various opinions" about appropriate measures under party regulations.

The controversy deepened when it became clear that Jeon's membership application had not undergone the typical screening process reserved for high-profile or potentially problematic candidates. Party rules typically require three months of membership before candidates can run for leadership positions, but Jeon's supporters argue that these regulations could be modified if necessary - pointing to precedents from previous party leadership races where rules were bent for political expediency.

Former party leader Han Dong-hoon has been particularly vocal in his opposition to Jeon's influence, describing his rhetoric as "far-right extremism" that threatens to destroy the conservative movement's electoral viability. In a scathing Facebook post, Han warned that "turning the PPP into a far-right party is a sure path to collapse," arguing that such an approach would permanently alienate moderate voters essential for conservative electoral success.

Community Reactions: Divided Along Ideological Lines

The response to Jeon's challenge has revealed deep fissures within South Korea's online conservative community. On platforms like DC Inside and Nate Pann, reactions have been sharply divided between hardcore Yoon supporters who view Jeon as a courageous truth-teller and more moderate conservatives who worry about the long-term implications of his extremist rhetoric.

Supporters frequently praise Jeon's unwavering loyalty to former President Yoon, with comments like "Finally, someone who isn't afraid to speak the truth about what's happening to our country" and "Jeon Han-gil is the only one brave enough to fight for real conservative values." These voices see him as a necessary counterweight to what they perceive as weak leadership from establishment politicians who have abandoned core conservative principles.

However, critics within the conservative camp express serious concerns about the direction Jeon represents. Comments on Naver and Daum frequently warn that "this kind of extremism will destroy any chance conservatives have of winning back power" and "we need leaders who can appeal to all Koreans, not just the most radical supporters." Many worry that Jeon's inflammatory style and conspiracy-theory-adjacent rhetoric will further marginalize the conservative movement in mainstream Korean politics.

The Broader Context: Far-Right Influence in Korean Conservatism

Jeon's rise must be understood within the broader context of growing far-right influence in South Korean politics. His alliance with controversial figures like Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon and his promotion of election fraud conspiracy theories reflect a global trend toward populist extremism that has found fertile ground among Yoon's most dedicated supporters.

Political observers note that Jeon's appeal lies precisely in his willingness to voice the frustrations and conspiracy theories that resonate with the conservative base. Unlike mainstream politicians who must consider electoral mathematics and broad appeal, Jeon can speak directly to the grievances of hardcore supporters who feel betrayed by traditional party leadership. This dynamic has made him both politically powerful and institutionally dangerous.

The emergence of YouTuber politics has also played a crucial role in Jeon's rise. His "Han-gil Over Flowers" YouTube channel has become a rallying point for Yoon supporters, providing a platform where extreme views can be expressed without the filtering mechanisms of traditional media. This direct connection to supporters has allowed him to build a political movement that operates largely outside conventional party structures, making him difficult for establishment leaders to control or marginalize.

International Implications and Future Outlook

For international observers, Jeon Han-gil's challenge to conservative leadership represents a concerning trend toward political extremism in one of Asia's most important democracies. His rhetoric echoes populist movements worldwide, raising questions about the stability of South Korea's democratic institutions and the country's ability to maintain its role as a regional leader.

The outcome of this internal conservative struggle will have significant implications for South Korea's political future. If Jeon and similar figures gain control of the People Power Party, it could push the conservative movement toward permanent opposition status, unable to appeal to the moderate voters necessary for electoral success. Alternatively, if establishment figures successfully marginalize the far-right faction, they risk alienating their most committed supporters and potentially facing a party split.

As South Korea prepares for future elections, the Jeon Han-gil phenomenon serves as a stark reminder of how quickly political movements can be hijacked by extremist voices when traditional leadership fails to address the concerns of their base. Whether the conservative movement can find a path that satisfies both its hardcore supporters and the broader electorate may determine not only the fate of the People Power Party but the direction of South Korean democracy itself. The question Jeon posed - "who really owns the conservative right wing?" - may ultimately be answered not by political maneuvering but by the Korean people themselves at the ballot box.