The meeting between President Yoon Suk-yeol and People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon not only failed to produce results, but also left the public disappointed by its awkward optics. From the start, the photo released by the presidential office set a negative tone. President Yoon sat alone at a long, office-like table, while Han sat across from him with Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk. The scene felt more like a prosecutor interrogating a suspect alongside their lawyer, rather than a respectful meeting between the president and his party’s leader. This led to online commentary mocking the encounter. The setting and format were both inappropriate.
The situation only worsened when, after Han left, the presidential office called PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho to a separate dinner. This move appeared to sideline the party leader, suggesting an attempt to split the leadership by meeting with Choo without Han. It was an unusual and troubling sight that left many observers shaking their heads, with some saying, “We had our doubts, and they were confirmed.”
Meanwhile, at the National Assembly, former lawmaker Kim Young-sun’s aide Kang Hye-kyung testified, claiming that a man named Myung Tae-kyun had advised First Lady Kim Keon-hee to influence President Yoon, describing the president as “a blind swordsman wielding a blade,” and Kim as “a shaman who shouldn’t go outside, perched on his shoulder, casting spells.” She also alleged that Kim had altered the president’s overseas travel plans based on Myung’s dream interpretations. Though these claims remain unverified, they raise uncomfortable questions about the president’s relationship with such individuals.
During the Yoon-Han meeting, Han reportedly expressed concerns about preventing the passage of the special prosecutor bill aimed at First Lady Kim, saying, “I’ve managed to persuade lawmakers so far, but if things worsen, I’m not sure I can hold them back.” To this, President Yoon replied, “If PPP lawmakers side with the opposition, there’s nothing I can do.” While a presidential aide later clarified that Yoon meant he couldn’t imagine ruling party lawmakers supporting an unconstitutional bill, the damage was done. Yoon’s remark—”nothing I can do”—left a lasting impression.
If Yoon truly believed that the passage of the special prosecutor bill was inevitable, there would have been no need to summon floor leader Choo, whose primary role is to keep party members in line. In a recent vote, at least four PPP lawmakers broke ranks and voted in favor of the bill, raising concerns about more defections. Should the bill pass with 200 votes, Yoon’s veto could be overridden. The consequences of such an event would extend far beyond the special prosecutor’s investigation. Yoon is undoubtedly aware of the potential fallout, and so is the public.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the recent conduct of the administration is not only petty but deeply unsettling, fueling further public disillusionment with the government’s direction.
