Handonghun on 'Ignoring Kim Geonhee's Text' Controversy: "Inappropriate to Discuss Public Matters in a Private Way"

Korea, Lunch with Oh Se-hoon at Donghaeng Restaurant
Han Dong-hoon "Wondering Why This Is Being Discussed Now"
On Request to Disclose Details, "Inappropriate"

Han Dong-hoon, the People Power Party's candidate for party leader, addressed allegations that he ignored a text message sent by First Lady Kim Keon-hee during his tenure as emergency committee chairman in the lead-up to the 22nd general election, stating on the 2nd, "I believe it is inappropriate for the emergency committee chairman of the ruling party and the First Lady to engage in public and political discussions through private means."

Han made the remarks to reporters after having lunch with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon at Donghaeng Restaurant in the Yongsan-gu goshiwon area of Seoul that morning, adding, "I find it somewhat puzzling why this issue is being raised at this point in time."

Previously, Kim Gyu-wan, CBS editorial director, claimed on CBS Radio the day before that he had obtained a text message sent by First Lady Kim to Han in January, when allegations of receiving luxury bags surfaced, in which she asked him to consider accepting any disciplinary action, including a public apology to the nation. Kim asserted that Han did not respond to the message. In response, Han’s campaign stated, "The 'reconstructed' text content broadcast on CBS Radio is not accurate."

Han’s position is that it is inappropriate to discuss official matters with First Lady Kim through private communication channels and that he requested her apology through official channels. He pointed out, "During the general election period, communication was conducted through official channels with the presidential office," and added, "At the same time, I conveyed several times the opinion that some form of apology was necessary to alleviate public concern."

Handonghun, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, shake hands on the 5th before a breakfast meeting at Donghaeng Restaurant in the Dongja-dong shantytown, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

When asked by reporters, "Which parts are inaccurate?" Han replied, "Since those are not texts I wrote or sent, it is not appropriate for me to comment specifically on their content," and avoided a direct answer by saying, "I believe what I said earlier sufficiently explains the matter." Regarding the claim that the pro-Yoon faction has launched a 'text operation,' he responded, "I am now focused on leading party unity and running for party leader, so I do not intend to engage in speculation or assumptions that could cause further discord."

While other candidates concentrated on party member meetings and appealing to party sentiment, Han’s visit to Donghaeng Restaurant, which offers affordable meals to residents of the goshiwon area with Mayor Oh, is interpreted as a strategy to win public support through a pro-commoner approach. Mayor Oh has long promoted the philosophy of "walking with the vulnerable" in his administration, and Han previously emphasized "bridging gaps" as a key slogan in his election pledges during his time as emergency committee chairman.

During the breakfast meeting, Han told Mayor Oh, "You are nurturing the 'walking with the vulnerable' initiative, which is explicitly stated in our party’s platform, constitution, and bylaws," adding, "If you succeed and provide verified ideas, we will try to expand Seoul Run nationwide." Seoul Run is an online lecture support platform aimed at out-of-school youth and low-income students to help reduce educational disparities.

After the breakfast with Mayor Oh, Han told reporters, "There are many successful policies for the vulnerable and common people, as well as centrist policies, that we can adopt," and said, "Regarding this, when I become party leader, I had an in-depth conversation with Mayor Oh about what policies, such as those already verified in Seoul Station and the 'walking with the vulnerable' initiative, can be implemented."

Additionally, when asked about his stance on the third-party special prosecution law proposed by Han after People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jae-seop cast a dissenting vote, and whether he intends to take an active role, Han said, "I am currently a candidate without an official position in the party. Beyond consistently explaining my reasons at this level, there is no way for me to take a more active role at this time."

Handonghun, the People Power Party's representative candidate, is moving to the meeting place for a breakfast meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on the 5th in the Dongja-dong shantytown, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@