SEOUL: President Yoon Suk Yeol’s meeting with People Power Party (PPP) chairman Han Dong-hoon on Monday was anticipated to produce significant outcomes, particularly due to Han’s persistent requests to discuss sensitive issues involving first lady Kim Keon Hee. The meeting, however, concluded without an official briefing, leaving many questions unanswered.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han expressed his concerns to President Yoon, urging a restructuring of the presidential office, suggesting that the first lady limit her public activities, and calling for her cooperation in addressing allegations against her. Reports suggest President Yoon asked for a list of candidates for a potential reshuffle, and the two leaders disagreed on the first lady’s past legal issues and new claims of her influence in elections.
The meeting’s format, with the presence of presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk, deviated from the expected one-on-one discussion, taking place over tea and fruit instead of dinner. This arrange
ment seemed to influence the critical dialogue between Yoon and Han. Despite the absence of official briefings, PPP Secretary General Rep. Park Jeong-ha communicated that Han reiterated his demands, including the appointment of a special inspector for the first lady’s office and proposed the establishment of a consultative body to address the medical crisis.
The strained relations between the president and the ruling party chief highlight the political challenges they face. President Yoon’s approval ratings have plummeted to a record low of 22 percent, as per a Gallup Korea poll, with a significant portion of the public advocating for the first lady to reduce her official activities. Although prosecutors cleared her of previous charges, new allegations have surfaced, fueling public dissatisfaction.
Progressive civic groups and the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have initiated actions demanding the president’s impeachment and further investigations into the first lady. This political climate rais
es questions about the ruling party’s ability to address the public’s concerns and function effectively as a political entity dedicated to serving the populace.
Criticism has also emerged over Han’s approach in communicating with the president, suggesting his ambitions for the 2027 presidential election. The meeting has underscored the need for a resolution to prevent public discontent from escalating further. Both the president and Han must address the controversies surrounding the first lady and reassure the public of their commitment to resolving these issues.