Has the Party Atmosphere Changed... Han Dong-hoon Demands First 'Presidential Apology'

Strong Remarks at South Korea's Top Meeting After Four Days
Pro-Yoon Kim Jae-won Also Says "When Doing Anything"
Choo Kyung-ho Holds Party Meeting, Likely to Question 'Special Inspector'

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, urged President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 4th to issue a public apology and reform the administration. As the president's approval rating hit a new low and the opposition party raised the issue of impeachment over political broker Myeong Tae-gyun, a sentiment that a 'direct breakthrough is inevitable' spread within the People Power Party.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly main building that day, Leader Han said, "The president should honestly and thoroughly disclose the concerns of the people and take necessary measures, including an apology." Specifically, he called for a complete overhaul of the presidential office staff, the immediate suspension of Kim Geon-hee's external activities, and the appointment of a special inspector.

Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Earlier, on the 21st of last month, Leader Han had demanded three major measures related to Mrs. Kim (suspension of external activities, personnel reform of the presidential office, and cooperation in clarifying suspicions) and the appointment of a special inspector during a meeting with President Yoon. However, at that time, the pro-Yoon faction insisted on linking the recommendation of candidates for the special inspector to the recommendation of directors for the North Korean Human Rights Foundation, and the presidential office stated that parliamentary agreement was a priority, effectively rejecting the demands.

However, on the 31st of last month, a recording of a phone call between President Yoon and political broker Myeong Tae-gyun was released, and a Gallup Korea poll showed President Yoon's approval rating dropping to the historic first 10% range, intensifying the sense of crisis within the ruling party. Accordingly, a consensus grew within the party that preemptive measures were necessary. Leader Han also spoke out for the first time on this matter four days later. Pro-Yoon lawmakers also lent their support. At the Supreme Council meeting that day, Jang Dong-hyuk said, "After overcoming this page of crisis, a greater page of opportunity will unfold," adding, "There is a saying that in difficult times, one should return to principles and basics. The basics of politics are public sentiment." Lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin wrote on Facebook that day, "Our government and party must humbly bow before the people," and added, "From the last general election until now, the people have continuously demanded a 'change in attitude toward the people,' and now we must respond."

People Power Party Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho and Supreme Council Member Kim Jae-won are talking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Tension caused by this incident is also felt within the party. At the Supreme Council meeting that day, Chu Kyung-ho, floor leader classified as pro-Yoon, and Kim Jae-won, Supreme Council member, made remarks different from usual. Floor Leader Chu said at the meeting, "We will deeply reflect on the shortcomings in meeting the expectations and support of the people and, with a heavy sense of responsibility, make every effort to restore the trust of the people in the party and government." Council member Kim emphasized, "The presidential office must actively and proactively take the lead in resolving this situation," adding, "It is time to do whatever is necessary to change the situation." A People Power Party aide said, "Because public sentiment is currently very unfavorable, a chaotic and negative perception is being shared."

The appointment of a special inspector is expected to be decided soon at a party members' meeting. Floor Leader Chu had stated that a members' meeting for gathering opinions on the special inspector would be held after the national audit ends. Following a meeting with four-term lawmakers last week, Chu also held a meeting with three-term lawmakers that day. People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seong-won told reporters after the meeting, "We recognize and share the seriousness of the current situation," adding, "The floor leader said that changes in the party and the presidential office are necessary and that we need to create an opportunity to work together again in line with the people's expectations." When asked about the possibility of holding a members' meeting to discuss the special inspector, he replied, "It will be held soon."