Seoul: Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon on Tuesday called for President Yoon Suk Yeol to address the controversies surrounding the first lady in his upcoming public address, emphasizing that Yoon's speech should be used to "see eye to eye with the people."According to Yonhap News Agency, the presidential office announced on Monday that Yoon will deliver a public address and hold a press conference on Thursday to outline his policy direction for the second half of his term. "We expect the speech to be used to see eye to eye with the people, and it should," Han of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) told reporters at the National Assembly.Earlier, Han urged President Yoon to issue a public apology and consider a reshuffle of aides at the presidential office. He also called on first lady Kim Keon Hee to immediately refrain from her public activities amid an intensifying scandal. The controversy stems from the alleged interference by Yoon and the first lady in the PPP's nomination process for a candidate in the 2022 parliamentary by-elections. This was triggered by a recording of a phone call between Yoon and a suspected power broker named Myung Tae-kyun.PPP floor leader Choo Kyung-ho also stated that he met with President Yoon the previous day, requesting the president to "arrange an opportunity to communicate with the people at an early date." Han mentioned that he was not aware of Choo's visit beforehand when asked by reporters for a comment on Choo's request.
- October 12, 2026
