[Q&A] Is There a Reality to Kim Geon-hee's 'Hannam-dong Line'? Who Are the 7 Members?

Handonghun "There Should Be No Line" Calls for Personnel Reform
Seven Current and Former Presidential Office Secretaries and Administrators Mentioned
Presidential Office Responds, "Where Is Mrs. Kim's Line?"

Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, brought to the surface the so-called 'Hannam-dong Line,' referring to close aides of First Lady Kim Keon-hee within the presidential office that had been circulating mainly in political circles. He demanded a personnel reshuffle concerning these individuals. This has caused ripples within the ruling party. On the 14th, Han met with reporters at the National Assembly and emphasized, "(First Lady Kim) does not hold a public office, so the fact that the public takes the existence of such a line as a given does not help the trust in state affairs," adding, "Such a line should not exist." It is unusual for the ruling party leader to publicly mention the need for reform regarding personnel matters, which are the exclusive authority of the president's office.

Since President Yoon's inauguration, First Lady Kim has consistently been embroiled in unofficial influence controversies. In June 2022, after the administration began, there was controversy over private accompaniment when Kim visited Kwon Yang-sook, the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's wife. The individuals who accompanied her at that time were from Kobana Contents, which Kim operated, and were hired by the presidential office to accompany her after President Yoon took office. However, Han's recent mention of the 'Hannam-dong Line' is on a different level. It is claimed that they influence state affairs reflecting Kim's intentions. Meanwhile, the presidential office has rebutted, stating that the Hannam-dong Line is an unfounded claim. The related controversy is summarized in a Q&A format.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Who does the 'Hannam-dong Line' refer to?

Hannam-dong is the neighborhood where President Yoon and his wife reside, and the term refers to a group of close aides who have a personal relationship with First Lady Kim. In political circles, seven individuals, including Secretary L, Secretary C, and Senior Administrative Officer K, as well as current and former secretaries and administrative officers of the presidential office, are frequently mentioned. Notably, the Hannam-dong Line is said to be spread throughout various parts of the presidential office, not limited to a specific secretariat, exerting influence over the entire state affairs.

Some of these individuals have long-standing ties with Kim, who mainly worked in cultural and artistic content businesses, or were recommended directly or indirectly by those around her. Additionally, around the time President Yoon declared his political activities in 2021, some joined his presidential campaign early on, closely assisting with political schedules related to both President Yoon and First Lady Kim. Others are noted to have worked in the presidential office after President Yoon's inauguration. Many of them had little or no prior political experience before joining President Yoon's campaign.

Is there a tangible 'line' to speak of?

Several individuals have been mentioned in political circles before, but Han is the first to directly mention the 'Hannam-dong Line.' Some ruling party lawmakers, including those close to Han Dong-hoon (the 'Pro-Han faction'), have pointed out that these individuals not only create defensive arguments whenever controversies around First Lady Kim arise but also leak personnel discussions to the media or ignore and neutralize official presidential office policies.

The issue became prominent after the April 10 general election. It is claimed that the controversial appointments of Park Young-sun as Prime Minister and Yang Jeong-cheol as Chief Secretary were products of the 'Hannam-dong Line.' When the controversy arose in political circles, the presidential office officially denied it, stating, "It has never been considered." However, some secretaries gave mixed signals by telling reporters, "It has been considered," causing confusion.

Shin Ji-ho, the People Power Party's Deputy Head of Strategic Planning, stated on MBC radio that day, "The Hannam-dong Line consists of secretaries and administrative officers, all holding official positions. They are mostly not in political or public relations roles. They are engaging in inappropriate political activities beyond their official duties." The 'line' is not a formal organization but a term collectively referring to First Lady Kim's close aides. In other words, the 'Hannam-dong Line' is a political term.

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

Why did Han Dong-hoon mention the 'Hannam-dong Line'?

With the approval ratings of both the presidential office and the ruling party declining simultaneously, Han is interpreted to be distancing himself from President Yoon and First Lady Kim to secure public support from moderate voters. This move aims to increase the chances of winning the upcoming by-elections while seeking a political breakthrough. Since the People Power Party's defeat in last year's Gangseo District mayoral by-election shook Kim Ki-hyun's leadership, this election is a crucial turning point for Han. A loss could deal a fatal blow to his leadership.

It also appears influenced by the judgment that public patience with President Yoon's governance has reached its limit. Since President Yoon's political involvement, controversies have arisen, including academic fraud and plagiarism allegations, stock manipulation suspicions related to Kobana Contents, allegations concerning changes to the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway, luxury bag bribery controversies, and further allegations involving former Civic Communication Secretary Kim Dae-nam (Senior Administrative Officer) and Myung Tae-gyun's interference in candidate selection, as well as unofficial mobilization suspicions. These have continuously increased public disfavor toward First Lady Kim. Han and the Pro-Han faction believe that if President Yoon continues to expend political capital on Kim's issues and the ruling party remains swayed by these controversies, both the president's and the party's approval ratings will decline together, making it difficult to defend the administration.

What is the presidential office's stance?

On the 14th, the presidential office explained, "There is only the president's line in the presidential office; there is no organization operated as the Hannam-dong Line or unofficially." A senior presidential office official, when asked about Han Dong-hoon's call for personnel reform at the Yongsan presidential office that afternoon, retorted, "Is there something wrong that requires personnel reform? Where is the First Lady's line?" The official also emphasized, "There is no such unofficial organization operating outside official duties," adding, "The media should not be swayed by rumors spread by various people, such as former Administrative Officer Kim Dae-nam."

What will happen going forward?

First, the results of the by-elections and the subsequent private meeting between President Yoon and Han Dong-hoon are expected to be turning points. Depending on their stance on various political issues, including the First Lady's matters, their paths could diverge significantly. If President Yoon and Han fail to reach a dramatic compromise, internal strife within the ruling party is expected to intensify. In that case, the fate of the ruling party could plunge into unpredictable turmoil.

[Image source=Yonhap News]