Yoon Seok-yeol "Apology for Hong and Ryu's Recorded Conversations" Kwon Young-se "Kim Kun-hee's Activities, Considering the Right Path" (Summary)

Candidate Yoon "Feels Sorry"
Kim Contemplates Official Activity Start Timing

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is presenting the foreign affairs and security global vision titled "A Global Hub Nation Contributing to Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity" at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 24th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The People Power Party's election campaign headquarters is on high alert regarding follow-up reports related to Kim Gun-hee, the spouse of presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol. While concerned about the impact additional reports may have on public opinion, they are also contemplating the timing of Kim's official activities alongside Yoon's apology.

On the 24th, after announcing foreign affairs and security-related pledges, candidate Yoon told reporters about Kim's remarks implying that Representative Hong Joon-pyo and former Representative Yoo Seung-min also performed gut rituals, saying, "I always feel sorry on behalf of the people to those who feel uncomfortable or hurt by the recordings."

The recording in question is part of a roughly seven-hour conversation between Kim and Lee from Seoul Voice. MBC reported through its News Desk that Kim directly stated that Representative Hong and former Representative Yoo also performed gut rituals. The campaign headquarters is expected to issue a final apology once the related broadcasts settle down. Previously, Kim issued a public apology regarding allegations of exaggerating her resume and career.

However, they remained reserved about plans for Kim to engage in public activities. After a morning meeting on the same day, campaign headquarters chief Kwon Young-se said to reporters that regarding questions about Kim's willingness to apologize or plans for official activities, "Nothing is confirmed yet," adding, "We are still considering what the best course of action is." Lee Yang-su, the senior spokesperson for the People Power Party campaign headquarters, said on the 24th in response to questions about Kim's volunteer activity plans, "There are no official activity plans at all." Currently, there are concerns that Kim engaging in public activities would be a premature move.

Although there are no official activity plans, the situation cannot be postponed indefinitely. Only 44 days remain until the election. Kim Eun-hye, the campaign headquarters' public relations director, said on the radio that day regarding Kim's official activities, "We have never officially brought this issue to the table for discussion," but added, "There will be an opportunity to greet the public before the March 9 election."