Myeong Taegyun's KakaoTalk 'Oppa'... Han Donghoon Says "Unpleasant Things Keep Happening for the Public to See"

'Restraint in Activities' 'Personnel Renewal'... "Mrs. Kim, Prompt Action Needed"
"Dogok-dong 7-member Group Seems to Be an Impromptu Creation by Kwon Seong-dong"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, commented on the use of the word "oppa" in the chat exchanged between Myung Tae-gyun and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, saying, "Unpleasant incidents are repeatedly happening in the eyes of the public. It is necessary to swiftly and surely implement the measures I have already mentioned." This is interpreted to mean that if the word "oppa" refers to President Yoon Seok-yeol, it is not appropriate from the public's perspective.

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@

On the 15th, Han responded to reporters in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, where he visited a campaign vehicle, saying, "Although this is a casual setting, I think it is inappropriate for me to discuss such matters." This was in response to a question about whether Han, who has known President Yoon and his wife for a long time, knows how First Lady Kim usually addresses the president. The "measures" Han referred to are understood to mean the previously mentioned "restraint in First Lady Kim's activities" and "personnel reshuffle in the presidential office." Han has pressured First Lady Kim and the presidential office to keep the promise made during the presidential election to "focus solely on the role of a wife."

Regarding criticism from some pro-Yoon factions that it is inappropriate for Han to mention matters related to Myung and First Lady Kim, Han said, "It is a matter for the public to judge," emphasizing, "Good politics is not about overlooking wrongdoings just because they are unpleasant to see. What the public and party members expect from the People Power Party is to reform when there are mistakes."

On the criticism from People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong the previous day, who called for a personnel reshuffle starting with the pro-Yoon faction using the term "Dogok-dong 7-inhoe," Han said, "Isn't this the first time you are hearing about 'Dogok-dong 7-inhoe'?" and explained, "It seems that Representative Kwon made it up on the spot." Kwon had said in a phone interview with Asia Economy the previous day that the "Dogok-dong 7-inhoe" is a parody likening Han's close associates to the "Hannam-dong 7-inhoe."