Ruling and Opposition Parties and Government Council Passing Controversy: "Don't Interpret Everything in a Historical Drama Style"
Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, said regarding the launch of the ruling-opposition-medical-government consultative body, "I believe the government will show a more flexible stance than in the past." The government has maintained a 'no discussion' position on the medical school quota expansion reexamination, which medical associations have demanded as a condition for participating in the consultative body.
On the 30th, Han told reporters at the National Assembly, "I will do my best to ensure the launch of the ruling-opposition-medical-government consultative body." In response to reports that some party leadership conveyed to the Presidential Office that the launch of the consultative body would be difficult, he said, "I have never conveyed that."
Regarding criticism that the Presidential Office's establishment of a 'medical workforce supply and demand estimation body' under the Presidential Commission on Medical Reform is bypassing the consultative body Han was promoting, he explained, "Don't interpret everything in such a historical drama way," adding, "The value of protecting the health and lives of the people is an extremely absolute value. Trying various approaches is possible." He continued, "The consultative body is a reference for solutions, and in that process, a supply and demand body is also necessary. We are making various efforts together."
When asked about the party's response to the Presidential Office exercising the right to request reconsideration on the special investigation law concerning First Lady Kim Geon-hee, he replied, "I believe the lawmakers will make a good judgment." Regarding voices within the ruling party calling for an apology from the First Lady, he drew a line by saying, "I have consistently expressed my position. That is what I say."
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