According to a report by the Korea Herald on October 23, South Korea’s ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon recently presented three recommendations regarding First Lady Kim Keon-hee to President Yoon Suk-yeol. The Blue House indicated on the 22nd that Yoon would consider whether to implement the proposed measures.
The meeting between President Yoon and Han took place on the 21st at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. Following the meeting, Park Jeong-ho, the head of Han’s secretariat, revealed that Han suggested three specific actions concerning the First Lady.
These recommendations reportedly included a personnel overhaul within the presidential office, a halt to Kim Keon-hee’s public activities, and an effort to address related concerns. Han emphasized the recent decline in public sentiment and the need for decisive reform and change during their discussions.
Additionally, a reporter from the Korea Herald learned on the 22nd that Han specifically mentioned several close aides of Kim Keon-hee during the meeting and raised pertinent issues regarding them. This approach can be interpreted as a suggestion for President Yoon to consider replacing these aides. Sources from the ruling party indicated that Han named eight individuals, which included seven administrative officials and a senior adviser from the presidential office.
A high-ranking official from the Blue House disclosed on the 22nd that President Yoon expressed that he would assess the recommendations related to Kim Keon-hee and determine what actions, if any, to take.
Regarding the suggestion for Kim Keon-hee to suspend her public engagements, President Yoon noted that she is exhausted and lacks the desire to participate in numerous activities, stating that she has already been limiting her engagements. Unless absolutely necessary, she is unlikely to take on many public roles in the future.
In response to the request for Kim Keon-hee’s assistance in ongoing investigations, President Yoon remarked, “The prosecution is currently handling the case, and the results remain to be seen.”