Controversies Surrounding Han Dong-hoon and Kim Geon-hee: A Political Dilemma

South Korean News: Controversies Surrounding Han Dong-hoon and Kim Geon-hee

Subtitle: Han Dong-hoon, Chairman of the People’s Party, Faces Dilemma Amid Risks and Controversies

In a recent development, Han Dong-hoon, the Chairman of the People’s Party, is deeply contemplating the risks and controversies surrounding Kim Geon-hee, the wife of a prominent political figure. The party is facing demands from both internal and external sources to clarify their stance on the risks associated with Kim’s involvement. Additionally, there is a growing chorus of voices opposing the perceived “unfair nomination” process.

Subtitle: Internal Conflicts Surrounding the Luxury Bag Controversy Involving Kim Geon-hee

Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Geon-hee’s luxury bag, there are reports of internal conflicts between Han Dong-hoon and the presidential office. Han, who initially dismissed the luxury bag controversy as a “political maneuver,” now finds himself facing demands for an apology from other candidates in the metropolitan region, including Ha Tae-kyung, Lee Yong-ho, and Kim Kyung-yul.

Subtitle: Strategic Statements for Seoul Mayoral Election Victory

Some observers interpret Han’s recent change in stance as a strategic move to secure victory in the upcoming Seoul mayoral election. However, the presidential office categorizes the current controversy as a “carefully planned illegal wiretapping” and labels it as political manipulation. This has led to speculation regarding tensions between Han and the presidential office, with Yun Jae-ok, the party’s chief deputy, also classifying the allegations against Kim Geon-hee as “political manipulation.”

Subtitle: Han Dong-hoon Clarifies Conflict with the Presidential Office

Regarding the conflict with the presidential office, Han stated, “This is a matter that should be approached from the perspective of the people, so there is no conflict.” Emphasizing that his views align with those of Chief Yun, this sentiment was also expressed during a private meeting with Yun on the same day. The meeting focused on addressing the intensifying situation surrounding the Kim Geon-hee controversy and finding ways to mitigate the conflict.

Subtitle: Controversies Surrounding Nominations Deepen Han Dong-hoon’s Concerns

The controversies surrounding the nomination process further compound Han’s concerns. He emphasizes the importance of the “systematic nomination” and sets the cutoff ratio at a lower-than-expected 10%, while highlighting the principles of primaries. However, the controversy surrounding the alleged “secret nominations” of Won Hee-ryong, a former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in his constituency, and Kim Kyung-yul, a former lawmaker, in the constituency of Representative Jung Chung-rae, has sparked criticism.

Subtitle: Concerns Over Controversial Nominations

Kim Sung-dong, the Chairman of the Mapo District Party, has expressed opposition to the nominations, further fueling the controversy. Reports suggest that the presidential office is also concerned about Kim’s nomination in the Mapo District. Given the cautious stance of the presidential office regarding controversies surrounding nominations involving former presidential aides, there is a possibility that the actions of a former senior official could lead to internal nomination disputes. When asked about the strategic nominations, the former senior official responded, “The party will handle it well.”

Subtitle: Concerns of Factionalism within the Conservative Base

There are concerns that the intensifying controversy surrounding strategic nominations could lead to factionalism within the conservative base. The Reform Party anticipates significant personnel changes within the ruling party following the nominations. Previously, Han recruited former Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Paik Un-gyu, during a visit to Suwon, and former Member of Parliament, Kim Yong-nam, who was preparing to run in the same constituency, defected to the Reform Party.

Subtitle: Positive Evaluation of Strategic Nominations

However, former Saenuri Party (predecessor of the People’s Party) leader Kim Moo-sung and other officials have positively evaluated the strategic nominations for the upcoming elections. They believe that in order to secure victory in the upcoming elections, all available cards should be utilized, as it could influence Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol’s tenure in the latter half of his term. Observers predict that strategic nominations will continue, particularly in the Ohsan and Namyangju regions.