SEOUL: Little progress was made in the recent meeting between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Han Dong-hoon, head of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), as they failed to reconcile their differing views on addressing allegations against First Lady Kim Keon Hee. President Yoon remains steadfast in denying any wrongdoing by his wife, despite pressure from within the party to support an opposition-led motion for an independent investigation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Yoon expressed his confidence in party members not to betray him, even if some support the motion deemed “unconstitutional” by the opposition to launch a special counsel probe into the first lady’s affairs. In a recent vote, at least four members from the ruling section backed the motion for independent investigations into Kim and a Marine’s death earlier this month. While the president maintains a nonchalant stance, the controversial bills could advance if more party members dissent.
During the meeting, Han Dong-hoon confronted Pres
ident Yoon about individuals close to Kim’s inner circle allegedly interfering in state matters. Yoon responded by asking Han to document these issues for his chief of staff, indicating he would only act if convinced of their validity. Furthermore, when Han urged the appointment of a special inspector for presidential family matters, Yoon deflected responsibility to the legislature, suggesting that cooperation would be contingent on opposition support for a government motion on North Korean human rights, which the Democratic Party opposes.
Following the meeting, President Yoon extended a dinner invitation to PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho and presidential aides, potentially signaling a shift in political collaboration away from Han. The editorial suggests that the president risks alienating the ruling party head, and party leaders should mediate to resolve the growing crisis.
The editorial warns that President Yoon’s reluctance to address controversies, including whistleblower allegations against the first
lady, could be a significant challenge since taking office. Failure to act on these issues could result in lost opportunities for reconciliation and lasting political damage.