Handonghun Tightens Reform Efforts... Party Meeting on the 14th to Discuss 'Special Inspector'

Seeking a Rebound in Approval Ratings After Yoon's Statement

As President Yoon Suk-yeol's approval rating hits a new low of 17% (according to a Gallup Korea survey), raising a growing sense of crisis, People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon is once again emphasizing the "people's expectations" to overcome the ruling party's current challenges.

Earlier, the day after President Yoon's statement, Leader Han evaluated, "The President apologized for the current situation and promised the public personnel reshuffle, the suspension of First Lady Kim Geon-hee's activities, and the unconditional appointment of a special inspector."

Following this, the Blue House announced as a follow-up measure that First Lady Kim would not accompany President Yoon on his diplomatic tour scheduled for mid-month, and Kang Hoon, a former presidential policy and public relations secretary identified as a close aide to Kim, withdrew his application for the Korea Tourism Organization presidency.

Amid these developments, including President Yoon's statement and additional measures from the Blue House, Leader Han appears to be focusing on implementation rather than making further demands of the presidential office.

The first stage of this emphasis on action is expected to be the party meeting scheduled for the 14th. At this meeting, the issue of recommending candidates for the special inspector, which Leader Han has raised to resolve the First Lady Kim issue, will be discussed. Public opinion inside and outside the party strongly favors avoiding turning the special inspector issue into a factional confrontation or a vote battle.

It is anticipated that the matter will be concluded through prior coordination, gathering opinions, and the leadership reorganizing their stance. If the recommendation of special inspector candidates is successfully carried out separately from the appointment of directors to the North Korean Human Rights Foundation, as Leader Han demands, his leadership within the party is expected to be further strengthened.