[Key Point in Yoon-Han Conflict] ③Will Kim Kyungyul, the Spark, Resign from the Emergency Committee?

Presidential Office Points to Unfair "Private Nomination"
Key Issue: Diverging Responses to First Lady's Luxury Handbag Controversy
Senior Party Members Urge Kim Kyungyul to Step Down from Committee

The "resignation of Emergency Committee Member Kim Kyungyul" is gaining traction as a possible solution to resolve the conflict between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Han Donghoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. Since the presidential office has pointed to Chairman Han's unfair "private nomination" as the core issue in this situation, it is believed that the controversy can only be settled if Kim, who is at the center of the dispute, clarifies his position regarding his future.

The underlying context of the call for Kim Kyungyul's resignation is also closely linked to the controversy surrounding First Lady Kim Keonhee's luxury handbag incident. The presidential office has consistently maintained that Mrs. Kim is a victim of a "covert filming operation." However, Kim Kyungyul compared Mrs. Kim to Marie Antoinette, the French queen, and Han Donghoon also remarked that "measures in line with public expectations are needed." These comments are widely viewed as the spark that ignited the current conflict. In political circles, there is speculation that Kim's resignation would provide the presidential office with justification for addressing the issue of unfair nominations, while also helping the party quell internal discord over the risks associated with Mrs. Kim.

Handonghun, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

Lee Cheolgyu, a key pro-Yoon figure and co-chairman of the party's Talent Recruitment Committee, addressed the issue on KBS Radio on the 23rd. When asked whether the handling of the First Lady's controversy was central to resolving the conflict between President Yoon and Chairman Han, Lee responded, "When it comes to this criminal act, I think we need to be cautious about demanding an unconditional apology from the victim or holding her responsible." This effectively acknowledges that the current clash stems, at least in part, from differences between the presidential office and the ruling party regarding their responses to the First Lady's controversy.

Lee went on to say, "In particular, some people have compared her to Marie Antoinette, the queen during the French Revolution, and have engaged in what amounts to a witch hunt. Those in responsible positions should refrain from such actions." This can be interpreted as a direct criticism of Kim Kyungyul's remarks, which appear to have irritated the presidential office. Lee also suggested that the solution to the conflict is for the presidential office and the party to present a unified stance. He added, "Rather than focusing on whether Mrs. Kim apologizes, I believe it is more important to explain the truth behind the covert filming operation so that the public can understand what really happened."

Handong Hoon, Emergency Committee Chairman, and Kim Kyungyul, Committee Member
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Photo by Han Sangkyun = Handong Hoon, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th. On the left is Committee Member Kim Kyungyul. 2024.1.18
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Among senior members of the People Power Party, there are also calls for Kim Kyungyul to resign from the Emergency Committee. Senior lawmakers, in particular, argue that Kim's candidacy for the Mapo-eul district effectively undermined the party's "systematic nomination" process. They emphasize that the role of an Emergency Committee member is to make decisions about nominations, but it is not a position intended to secure a strategic nomination for oneself. These lawmakers are rallying around the idea that while Kim may run for office, he should step down from his committee position.

Outside the political sphere, some believe that Kim should withdraw his candidacy for Mapo-eul altogether. Political commentator Park Sangbyung told Asia Economy, "Rather than resigning from the Emergency Committee, Kim's nomination for Mapo-eul should be canceled. If the decision for Kim to run in Mapo-eul was made by Chairman Han and not the Nomination Management Committee, it disrupts the party's general election process. Principles must be upheld."