Yoon Ally Lee Cheol-gyu: "Conflict with Han Dong-hoon Will Be Resolved... Misunderstanding in Communication Process"

"Handonghun's Position? Must Report to the People" Fundamental Stance

Lee Cheol-gyu, the head of the People Power Party's Talent Recruitment Committee, commented on the conflict between President Yoon Seok-yeol and Han Dong-hoon, the party's Emergency Response Committee Chairman, saying, "Judging by the atmosphere, it seems there were some misunderstandings during the communication process," and added that the misunderstandings will soon be resolved and the situation will be well managed and settled.

Classified as one of Yoon's core associates (Yoon Seok-yeol's key insiders), Lee appeared on KBS Radio's 'Jeonggyeok Sisa' on the 23rd and said, "During the conversation among the three (Lee Kwan-seop, Presidential Chief of Staff; Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader; and Chairman Han), concerns were conveyed, and it seems there were misunderstandings in the process of receiving those concerns."

Regarding the controversy over Han Dong-hoon's surprise announcement of Kim Kyung-yul's candidacy for Mapo-eul, which sparked accusations of favoritism, Lee explained, "Kim Seong-dong, who was serving as the Mapo party branch chief, is the son of former National Assembly Speaker Kim Su-han," and added, "Many senior members of our party probably know this, so it seems that many senior party members and some religious groups have lodged numerous complaints to the Presidential Office." He continued, "Because President Yoon has been suspected of instructing Chairman Han to do this and there have been many protests, this was mentioned during the process of confirming and expressing concerns."

Lee Cheol-gyu, a member of the People Power Party's Nomination Management Committee, is speaking at the first Nomination Management Committee meeting held on the 16th at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

However, when asked by the host whether Chairman Han had prior discussions with him or Yoon Jae-ok before introducing Kim's candidacy for Mapo-eul, Lee refrained from answering, saying, "That is a rather difficult question to answer."

Regarding Chairman Han's future position, Lee stated, "Naturally, we must focus on the people. Both the Presidential Office and our party work together for the people, not for personal gain," and added, "Our party has its own roles, the party leader has their own responsibilities, and the government has its own duties. I believe they should all do their best for the people."

On the divided voices within the party over how to address the allegations of luxury handbag acceptance involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee, Lee said, "Many do not know what the truth is," emphasizing, "In fact, even Emergency Response Committee member Kim Kyung-yul made judgments without watching the video, and this is nothing more nor less than a political conspiracy." He further added, "Using a hidden camera to secretly film with malicious intent, trapping the person involved and trying to gain political advantage is a criminal act."