Park Ji-won: "Kim Geon-hee, the 'Gan Geon-hee' who just watches without apologizing"

Criticism on YouTube 'Sinyongsan Gaekjan, Park Jiwon's Current Affairs Skewer'
"No explanation or apology after 153 days... Ignoring the people"

First Lady Kim Geon-hee's resumption of public activities after five months was harshly criticized by Park Ji-won, the elected member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who called it "disregarding the people."

On December 11 last year (local time), President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee, on a state visit to the Netherlands, arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. After disembarking from Air Force One, their official aircraft, they boarded a vehicle and waited. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 17th, Park Ji-won said on his YouTube broadcast 'Shin Yongsan Inn, Park Ji-won's Current Affairs Skewer,' "I do not oppose First Lady Kim Geon-hee appearing in public. However, after 153 days, the First Lady was missing for five months and then appeared, so wouldn't the public be curious about her disappearance?" He pointed out, "There was no explanation to the public when her hiatus began, and even when she resumed activities, there was no explanation or apology, which is wrong."

He continued, saying this behavior is "disregarding the people." He added, "What has changed from five months ago to now? Rather, the public has more suspicions. Especially with the recent prosecution personnel changes, the necessity for a special investigation into First Lady Kim Geon-hee has increased. It is hard to understand why she appears at this time."

Park also criticized members of the People Power Party by name. He said, "When you mention Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party, people say 'Gan Cheol-soo,' meaning he is good at testing the waters. Former emergency committee chairman Han Dong-hoon also tests the waters with photos in the library to see whether he will run for party leader or not." He added, "First Lady Kim is supposed to go on an overseas tour in June, but the president canceled the recent state visit to Germany citing livelihood and security issues. Isn't that a weak excuse?" He questioned, "They said 'she cannot go' as an excuse, but I think it is 'testing the waters.' So I call her 'Gan Geon-hee'." This implies she avoids taking a clear stance and only gauges public opinion.

First Lady Kim attended a luncheon with the Korean-Cambodian presidential couples held at the Yongsan Presidential Office the day before. This was her first public schedule in 153 days since the state visit to the Netherlands on December 15 last year. She missed all major public events this month, including Children's Day and Parents' Day ceremonies, and reportedly decided not to attend the Buddha's Birthday celebration ceremony held at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu the day before, after considering accompanying the event.