SEOUL: President Yoon Suk Yeol has indicated his willingness to consider a reshuffle of personnel if specific issues are identified with his aides, following concerns raised by Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP). The potential shake-up comes amidst criticism of the influential role played by officials close to First Lady Kim Keon Hee in state affairs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Yoon made these remarks during a meeting with Han on Monday. The conversation was prompted by Han’s concerns over the first lady’s public activities and the suggestion of a personnel change to address controversies regarding the influence of certain presidential officials. Han reportedly provided Yoon with the names of eight officials who allegedly meddled in state affairs and detailed their misconduct.
A senior presidential official quoted Yoon as saying, “If you provide specific information on who is causing problems and how, I will review the details and determine whether to take actio
n.” Despite Han’s assertions, Yoon reportedly appeared unaware of any issues concerning his aides’ communications with him and the first lady.
In a separate radio interview with MBC, Park Jeong-hun, a pro-Han lawmaker, emphasized that Han spoke at length about the necessity of a personnel overhaul, highlighting the ongoing debate within the ruling party about the influence of the first lady’s close associates on governance.