PPP leader marks 100 days with call to address public concerns

In an address marking 100 days as People Power Party leader, Han Dong-hoon called for public concerns to be addressed while noting the accomplishments of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon speaks during a press conference at National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Wednesday, marking his 100th day as leader of the conservative party. [NEWS1]

People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon on Wednesday highlighted the difficulty of pursuing reform if public concerns and disappointments remain unaddressed.

Han's remarks came during a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, marking his 100th day as leader of the conservative party.

“It is regrettable that some accomplishments and ongoing reform agendas are overshadowed by public disappointment and concern over certain issues, preventing them from receiving a fair assessment,” Han said.

“If we cannot resolve and overcome these issues, it will be challenging to push forward with reform.”

Reflecting on the past two and a half years, Han noted the achievements of the Yoon Suk Yeol government, including the revitalization of the Korea-U.S. alliance, improved relations between Seoul and Tokyo, a firm stance toward North Korea and the restoration of the nuclear power sector. He also stressed the increase in defense industry exports, largely driven by the president.

In his speech, Han emphasized other crucial reforms that he believes the party and government must address.

“The four major reforms — pension, health care, education and labor — are inevitable issues that both the party and the government must tackle.

“These reforms weren’t achieved by past governments, yet they remain essential.”

He further underscored the urgency facing the party, saying, “There will be no future for us if we fail to address these problems.”

“Bold, proactive resolutions to issues the public is concerned about, including recent ones, must be proposed and implemented,” Han said, without specifying the exact issues.

First lady Kim Keon Hee arrives at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, on Oct. 6. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

When asked about investigations into allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee, Han acknowledged that there are “significant concerns” surrounding the matter, advocating for the controversial special inspector system he had earlier suggested to investigate potential corruption among the president’s close relatives.

“The special inspector is an organization intended to monitor those in power and address concerns preemptively, and it is needed now more than ever,” Han said.

“The people may doubt the party’s understanding of public sentiment if we hesitate to push for its reintroduction.”

While suggesting that the appointment of an independent inspector general is a means to “bring about change,” he did not comment on whether a special investigation should be launched into the allegations surrounding the first lady.

The special counsel probe system was introduced during the Park Geun-hye administration in 2015. However, after the first special inspector accused Park’s sister of fraud, the role went unfilled during her administration and the subsequent Moon Jae-in administration.

Moon’s office said that the responsibilities of the special inspector overlapped with those of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.

Earlier this month, prosecutors dropped charges against the first lady regarding her alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation scandal linked to Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer.

Han suggested that such allegations might not have arisen if the inspector system had been in place.

However, reintroducing the special inspector system has been contentious, as its role does not permit raids or indictments.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]