South Korean Ruling Party Leader Urges Presidential Office Reshuffle Amid First Lady’s Controversy

SEOUL: The leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP), Han Dong-hoon, intensified calls on Monday for a significant reshuffle in the presidential office to address ongoing controversies surrounding the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, and her alleged undue influence over state affairs. According to Yonhap News Agency, Yonhap, Han Dong-hoon criticized the existing setup within the presidential office, claiming that a group of about seven officials may be under the influence of the first lady, affecting decisions on personnel and policy. During a supreme council meeting, Han stated, "Kim is not a person that holds any official position. Such political connections should not exist." This statement underscores the internal strife within the PPP and the broader political implications as the party approaches crucial meetings and decisions. The call for a reshuffle comes amid suspicions from PPP officials that these close associates of the first lady are inappropriately influencing governmental operations. H an argued that a change initiated by the ruling party leader and accepted by the president could help restore public trust and stabilize the administration. The controversy extends beyond the internal dynamics of the presidential office. PPP lawmakers loyal to Han have also increased their demands for the dismissal of the officials close to the first lady. In contrast, supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol have defended the current structure, highlighting the growing division within the party. This political tension is set against the backdrop of a scheduled one-on-one meeting between President Yoon and Han Dong-hoon, which is expected to address not only the alleged influence of the first lady but also accusations of her involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and other ethical concerns. A senior presidential official defended the integrity of the presidential office, questioning the basis for the proposed personnel changes and denying the existence of any unofficial influence, underscoring the preside nt's sole authority over personnel matters. The relationship between Han and President Yoon, once close during their tenure as prosecutors, has reportedly deteriorated over disagreements on handling the controversies surrounding the first lady, with Han recently advocating for a prosecutorial decision that aligns with public sentiment and suggesting that the first lady limit her public engagements.