Seoul: A recent meeting between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon concluded without tangible results, further deepening the conflict between the conservative government and the ruling party. Han had proposed three measures to President Yoon: suspending First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s external activities, a reshuffle of the presidential office, and cooperation in recruiting a special inspector to oversee matters related to the presidential couple. However, President Yoon rejected these demands, challenging Han to specify the problems he had identified.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Yoon’s leadership crisis is underscored by his low approval rating of 22 percent, primarily attributed to issues surrounding the first lady. These controversies have hindered the president’s focus on policies aimed at improving citizens’ livelihoods. The lack of resolution from the meeting has led to criticism from core government supporters, who are dissatisfied with the
failure to mitigate risks associated with the first lady. The presidential office’s portrayal of the meeting as having a “good atmosphere” is seen as a misstep, as public antipathy toward the first lady continues to grow.
On Wednesday, Han highlighted the urgency of addressing the first lady issue, emphasizing that it dominates public discussions. He has called for the presidential office to eliminate these risks before November 15, when a court ruling on a corruption case involving Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung is expected. Han insists on appointing a special inspector by this date and has suggested a meeting with Yoon’s chief of staff to expedite the appointment and dismiss certain presidential aides implicated during their discussions.
The volatility of the situation necessitates swift action from the presidential office to appoint a special inspector. Furthermore, President Yoon is urged to dismiss secretaries and administrators suspected of intervening in state affairs on behalf of the first la
dy. Concerns have been raised about two former aides linked to the first lady who are reportedly awaiting appointments as heads of public corporations. Should President Yoon wish to demonstrate his commitment to change, he must prevent these appointments from proceeding.