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Han Dong-hoon, the interim leader of the People Power Party (left), shakes hands with President Yoon Suk-yeol as the two jointly inspect on Jan. 23 the site of a fire that destroyed a marine products market in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, the night before. (courtesy of the presidential office)

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Han Dong-hoon, the interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), on Tuesday while the two jointly inspected the site of a major fire in South Chungcheong Province. This meeting came only two days after a public clash between the two sides was sparked by presidential chief of staff Lee Kwan-sup’s call for Han’s resignation. Their joint appearance suggests a possible move toward resolving the ruling party’s internal strife. 

However, key issues fueling the conflict, such as allegations that the first lady, Kim Keon-hee, acted inappropriately by accepting a luxury handbag and the controversy surrounding Han’s recent public endorsement of Kim Kyung-yul, a member of the PPP's interim leadership committee, as a candidate for the Mapo B constituency, remain unresolved, leaving open the risk of future disputes.

Yoon and Han met that afternoon at a marine products market in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, that had experienced a major fire the night before. The two were there to assess the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage, as well as to discuss potential response strategies. This was their first public meeting since a New Year’s event held at the Blue House on Jan. 3. After surveying the site, they returned to Seoul on the presidential train, where they discussed issues affecting people’s livelihoods, according to the presidential office.

The fact that Yoon and Han met that day demonstrated their willingness to reconcile. An official from the presidential office told reporters that their visit was “a confirmation of the possibility of reconciliation.” 

Upon arrival at Seoul Station, Han met with reporters and stated, “I have deep respect and trust for the president. That hasn’t changed at all.” He stressed that both himself and the president “have been committed to improving the livelihoods of the people and working for the success of this country and its people,” adding that the two had shared “extensive discussions about various ways to support the people’s livelihoods” while on their train back to Seoul.

Nevertheless, significant challenges remain in fully resolving the party’s internal conflict. Discussions between both parties on strategies to address the allegations concerning the first lady and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, as well as on the matter concerning Kim Kyung-yul, are expected to continue. 

When asked by reporters if he discussed the possibility of Kim Kyung-yul’s resignation with Yoon on the train, Han replied, “No such conversation took place.” The possibility of renewed disagreements between the PPP and the presidential office emerging during the nomination process for the upcoming general elections in April remains.

Yoon and Han had coordinated their schedules for the visit in advance. Han canceled his originally planned visit to the PPP Secretariat, opting to go to Seocheon instead, while Yoon adjusted his schedule to coincide with Han's visit, according to sources from the ruling party.

By Kim Mi-na, staff reporter; Shin Min-jung, staff reporter

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