Seoul: Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon called again on Thursday for First Lady Kim Keon Hee to withdraw from public activities, following the party’s wins in crucial by-elections the previous day. Han, of the People Power Party (PPP), also reiterated his call for a presidential office reshuffle to remove those considered close to Kim and exercising undue influence on state affairs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a Supreme Council meeting of the PPP, Han emphasized the need for Kim Keon Hee to honor her commitment made during the presidential campaign to refrain from public activities. He expressed that resolving public concerns about her involvement in state affairs was paramount. “First lady Kim Keon Hee should refrain from public activities in keeping with her promise during the presidential election,” Han stated. “The people’s worries and concerns must be resolved once and for all this time.”
The call for Kim’s withdrawal comes amid her involvement in multiple controversies, including accusati
ons of stock manipulation, unlawfully receiving luxury items, and meddling in the PPP’s candidate nominations prior to last year’s general elections. “A personnel overhaul related to First Lady Kim is absolutely, urgently needed at the presidential office,” Han asserted. He also stressed the necessity for a transparent investigation into the allegations against her.
Further bolstering his position, Han pointed to the PPP’s recent electoral success in the by-elections, where the party won two out of four seats, including the chiefs of Busan’s Geumjeong District and Incheon’s Ganghwa County. This victory, according to Han, signified public trust in his leadership and an endorsement of his commitment to address the controversies surrounding the First Lady. He interpreted the by-election outcome as a mandate from the electorate to implement significant changes. “We will change and reform with courage, dedication, and precision,” he affirmed.