On the 21st, Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, is scheduled to meet with President Yoon Suk-yeol to address the “Yoon-Han conflict,” which has drawn significant attention in political circles. Despite the entanglement in their relationship over the Kim Geon-hee matter, the meeting could result in significant political repercussions, depending on its outcome.
If a consensus is reached, it could consolidate the ruling party’s efforts to challenge the opposition’s judicial risks. However, if the meeting yields no results, factional conflicts within the ruling party are expected to intensify.
According to announcements from the party on the 20th, the meeting between the president and the ruling party leader, scheduled for 4:30 PM on the 21st, was initially proposed as a one-on-one meeting. However, the ruling party suggested the attendance of the party leader’s chief secretary as well, which the presidential office did not agree to.
Kim Jong-hyuk, a key member aligned with Han, mentioned that although the party pushed for a direct meeting, the presidential office preferred a three-party meeting. It appears Han has accepted the arrangement out of concern that postponing the meeting would be seen as misjudgment.
The agenda of the meeting is the primary focus, as Han has repeatedly emphasized the Kim Geon-hee issue as a weak point for the ruling party under the opposition’s attack. The Democratic Party and other opposition parties are using allegations against Kim to even call for the president’s impeachment.
After successfully managing the October 16 by-elections, Han presented three demands in a party executive meeting: personnel renewal, halting Kim’s external activities, and assistance in clarifying allegations. The president’s response to these demands will significantly influence the Yoon-Han relationship.
Some, like Kim Tae-heum, a former party member, caution against a meeting without trust, whereas figures like Yoo Seung-min stress addressing the Kim issue to maintain the legitimacy of the administration. The pro-Yoon faction also indicated Han should not cross certain boundaries in the meeting.
Although the pro-Yoon faction seems supportive, there is concern within the presidential office about Han’s demands, which include Kim’s apology and restraint in official activities. The uneasy sentiment is partially due to Han’s critique of the presidential office over Kim’s issues, similar to opposition tactics.
Despite this, the presidential office acknowledges negative public sentiment and the need for solutions to regain governance momentum, given the public support for a special investigation into Kim and a decrease in her activities. Concerns persist that previously proposed measures, such as establishing a second affiliated office or appointing a special inspector, may not mollify public discontent effectively.
Overall, the meeting reflects deep-seated challenges in the relationship between the ruling party and the presidential office, particularly over sensitive issues involving the president’s spouse.