South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol did not attend the government-public debate forum scheduled for Jan. 22, announcing his absence 30 minutes before the event started. President Yoon, who initiated the forum, expressed his desire to share the ministries’ New Year’s work reports with the public rather than in a private setting. His absence is akin to a situation where there is reporting but no designated recipient for the information. This particular session was focused on ‘reforming regulations related to people’s livelihoods.’ The presidential office commented, “We are devising strategies to amend regulations that significantly inconvenience the public, including those related to cell phone subsidies and hypermarket usage restrictions.” Around 60 citizens were expected to participate. The president’s non-attendance was more than a mere ‘rescheduling.’
The presidential office cited the president’s “cold” for his absence. However, this explanation seems implausible given President Yoon’s previously demonstrated commitment to these forums, having attended the last four. There were no prior engagements to suggest a sudden schedule conflict. There are rumors within the presidential office that his absence was due to a recent disagreement with Han Dong-hoon, the interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), just a day earlier. President Yoon and Han have shared a close bond for over two decades. The rift between them could have profound implications, potentially affecting the president’s critical future initiatives.
The disagreement between Han and the president reportedly stems from the scandal involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee and a luxury handbag. This incident is believed to be a trap set by a pro-North Korean pastor and opposition media to ensnare Kim. While the main opposition Democratic Party appears to exploit the situation for political gain, President Yoon and First Lady Kim have faced undue criticism. Nevertheless, as long as the fact that Kim received a luxury bag remains, public scrutiny is inevitable. If President Yoon had acknowledged the issue and implemented preventive measures, the escalation of this problem might have been avoided.
President Yoon’s demand for Han’s resignation raises questions about his subsequent actions. The PPP party constitution does not outline procedures for such a scenario.
South Korea currently faces security and economic challenges. With threats of war from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the struggles of high-interest rates and inflation, the country is in crisis. As the head of state, the president represents a political figure and the ultimate authority in governance. Despite political alignment, South Koreans depend on the president to lead the country. This position allows for no retreat. President Yoon remarked at the inaugural government-public debate forum, “There is a thick concrete wall between the government and the people, impenetrable even by a nuclear explosion. It must be demolished.” Now, it becomes pertinent to question whether President Yoon is actively working to break down this barrier.
