Targeting the 'Kim Geon-hee Line'... Han Dong-hoon Intensifies Pressure

"People Without Official Status Should Not Exist in the Line" Direct Hit
Presidential Office Intends to Pressure to Capture Swing Voters in By-Elections

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, along with the pro-Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon) faction, demanded a personnel reshuffle of close associates of First Lady Kim Keon-hee, known as the 'Hannam-dong line,' and took a confrontational stance against the Blue House. Behind the scenes, despite opposition from the Blue House and pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction lawmakers, the escalating rhetoric is driven by the upcoming by-elections just three days away. It appears to be an attempt to distance themselves from President Yoon Seok-yeol, whose approval ratings have plummeted.

On the 14th, Han told reporters at the National Assembly, "(First Lady Kim) does not hold a public position, so the public assuming the existence of a 'line' is not helpful to the credibility of state affairs," adding, "Such a line should not exist." Earlier, on the 12th, Han directly targeted the so-called 'Hannam-dong line,' stating that a personnel reshuffle in the Blue House was necessary.

In political circles, seven Blue House secretaries and administrative officers are identified as close associates of the First Lady, referred to as the 'Hannam-dong line.' However, when asked by reporters if he meant a personnel reshuffle of these seven individuals, Han replied, "This is the first time I’ve heard the number seven." Han is also expected to demand a reshuffle of those considered part of the First Lady’s line during a private meeting with President Yoon. Regarding this, Han hinted at the possibility, saying, "Since there is no specific agenda for the private meeting, I think we will discuss various issues related to people’s livelihoods and public sentiment."

On the other hand, Kwon Seong-dong, a leading figure of the pro-Yoon faction and a People Power Party lawmaker, criticized Han on his social media for saying that the prosecution investigating the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations must "produce results that the public can accept," questioning, "Is engaging in political commentary the role of the party leader and his associates?" In response, Han dismissed Kwon’s remarks as "impeachment fear marketing," adding, "Kwon himself was one of the leading figures in the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye."

Han’s increased pressure on the Blue House and the First Lady is interpreted as an effort to win over centrist voters in the October 16 by-elections. Notably, the traditionally conservative stronghold of Busan Geumjeong District mayoral race is turning into a close contest due to opposition party unification, which is cited as a major reason. Since this is the first election since Han took office, there are concerns that a poor result could deal a fatal blow to his leadership. Han emphasized, "The government and ruling party must reform in accordance with public sentiment."