On November 14, the People Power Party (PPP) reached a consensus to begin the process of recommending a special inspector, as requested by leader Han Dong-hoon. This decision was made during a party meeting without any dissent. The PPP plans to propose that President Yoon Suk-yeol exercise his veto power over the third special prosecutor bill concerning First Lady Kim Keon-hee, which was passed by the opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, in the National Assembly.
Choo Kyung-ho, the floor leader of the PPP, stated that the party would proceed with the National Assembly’s process of recommending a special inspector and that he had been entrusted with managing the specifics of this process. Previously, Han Dong-hoon had emphasized the need for a proactive appointment of a special inspector to manage the risks associated with First Lady Kim and to counter the opposition’s special prosecution push.
While there was initial opposition within the party, linking the appointment of a special inspector to the recommendation of directors for the North Korean Human Rights Foundation by the opposition, President Yoon’s willingness to accept the special inspector recommendation tilted the balance toward acceptance. This recommendation aligns with efforts to consolidate support within the ruling party ahead of elections involving Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung.
Despite this internal agreement, the Democratic Party criticized the move as a tactic to avoid the special prosecutor investigation. As the opposition passed the third special prosecutor bill concerning First Lady Kim, the PPP members abstained from the vote and moved to hold their general assembly.
Choo reiterated that the party would strongly advise the president to exercise veto power over the bill, expressing determination to prevent it from taking effect. Regarding the North Korean Human Rights Foundation, Choo indicated plans to pursue independent recommendations for its directors and to propose an amendment ensuring timely recommendations by the National Assembly. The day’s decisions were endorsed by applause rather than a formal vote, indicating unanimous agreement on the current strategy.