Hwang Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, broke his silence a day after President Yoon Suk-yeol’s public address and pressed for renewal by emphasizing the importance of public sentiment. After President Yoon did not provide clear responses to the “Five Demands,” Hwang solidified the push for a special inspector. Within Yoon’s inner circle, there is a clear perception that his statement was inadequate. However, with the upcoming first trial verdict of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and the vote on the special prosecutor bill regarding Kim Keon-hee, there seems to be an attempt to gauge public opinion instead of confronting the presidential office directly.
Hwang stated on his Facebook page, “The President apologized for the current circumstances, promised personnel renewal, suspension of Kim Keon-hee’s activities, and unconditional appointment of a special inspector,” emphasizing that it is now crucial to implement these actions in a way that aligns with public sentiment, with specificity and urgency.
Hwang announced the immediate launch of the special inspector appointment procedure and highlighted the need for actions that align with public sentiment, are specific, and urgent. He also stressed the importance of aligning with public sentiment, stating, “Without the public, we can do nothing,” and urged for humility before the people.
This marks Hwang’s first statement since avoiding direct answers after Yoon’s speech. Following the speech, the People Power Party did not provide any commentary or briefing under the chief spokesperson’s name. The silence from Hwang the previous day was speculated to be due to disappointment with Yoon’s address. Within his inner circle, there were criticisms that Yoon neither actively accepted nor outright rejected Hwang’s demands, labeling his apology as insufficient.
Prior to this, Hwang demanded a public apology, a complete overhaul of the Presidential Office staff, a reshuffle for renewal, the suspension of Kim Keon-hee’s external activities, and the appointment of a special inspector. This statement came four days after the phone call recording between Yoon and Myeong-tae-kun was released. The Presidential Office unexpectedly announced a public address and press conference on the evening of the 4th.
In his address and press conference, President Yoon apologized, stating, “I sincerely apologize to the people,” but avoided detailing the specific reasons for his apology, citing a constraint against debating with facts as the President. Regarding ‘personnel renewal,’ he stated that the search and vetting for a talent pool is underway but expressed a flexible stance on timing for an immediate reshuffle.
On the topic of ‘Kim Keon-hee’s external activities,’ Yoon mentioned that they have been substantially suspended and will continue to be so, but added a condition that activities deemed necessary for national interest might be an exception, leaving room for her to accompany him on overseas trips.
Concerning the special inspector’s appointment, Yoon stated that if recommended by the National Assembly, he is obligated and intends to appoint one. However, he left open the possibility of delaying the appointment if the National Assembly does not forward a recommendation.
Hwang’s breaking of the silence with his statement emphasizes a fast-track handling of the special inspector appointment procedure. In his statement, he repeatedly stressed the words ‘public sentiment,’ ‘speed,’ and ‘specificity.’ Pro-Yoon faction leader Choo Kyung-ho, however, avoided direct answers in a morning meeting, indicating that the final direction will be decided based on opinions gathered during parliamentary meetings.
A pro-Yoon faction lawmaker mentioned in a call with News1 that “with the President agreeing to appoint a special inspector upon internal direction in the party and Hwang pushing for it, there are fewer reasons to oppose this within the party. Hwang’s message emphasizes practical action and speed to quickly implement changes while refraining from division with the government.”