The Democratic Party and Yoon's National Address Evoke 'Hope and Concern'... Choo Kyung-ho Calls It an "Opportunity to Explain in Detail"

Choo Kyung-ho "Proposed Statement to Yoon in Yongsan the Day Before"
Kim Sang-hoon "There Will Be a Candid Position Statement"
Pro-Administration Faction "Yoon Should Speak Honestly and Apologize"
Urges Specific Alternatives on Mrs. Kim Keon-hee Issue

Since President Yoon Suk-yeol announced on the 7th that he would hold a press conference combined with a national address, there has been a coexistence of expectations within the People Power Party that public sentiment may ease and concerns that another storm could arise. It is being evaluated that the administration stands at a crossroads between regaining momentum in governance through statements and measures that align with public sentiment or pouring fuel on the anger of the people due to inadequate responses.

Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, expressed optimism after the party's floor strategy meeting at the National Assembly that morning, saying to reporters, "I think there will be an opportunity to thoroughly explain various national issues regarding the parts the public is curious about and expects."

President Yoon originally planned to hold a press conference in late this month after returning from an overseas trip, but it is known that he moved it up to early this month considering the recent angry public sentiment and demands within the party.

Floor leader Choo said, "There have been various talks within our party, so I visited the presidential office yesterday," adding, "Originally, the national address was scheduled for the end of this month, but I said it would be better if it were much earlier. If possible, having the opportunity before the overseas trip would increase the public's understanding of the state affairs in various situations."

Chu Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Kim Sang-hoon, chairman of the People Power Party's Policy Committee, said on SBS Radio that "Regarding the case of Myung Tae-gyun and other demands for proactive responses from the presidential office, I expect there will be sincere statements of position."

On the other hand, pro-Yoon faction figures are voicing that the national address by President Yoon should include progressive decisions such as direct apologies, acceptance of measures to prevent recurrence including the appointment of a special inspector, and so forth.

Earlier, Representative Han demanded five items from the presidential office at the Supreme Council meeting the previous day: the president’s apology and clarification of suspicions, a complete overhaul of the presidential office, a bold cabinet reshuffle, suspension of First Lady Kim Geon-hee’s activities, and appointment of a special inspector.

They argue that the administration should learn from the national address on medical reform last April, where President Yoon only explained the necessity and justification of pushing forward medical reform but failed to handle public backlash over medical service gaps, which contributed to the election defeat.

Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Kim Jong-hyuk, a Supreme Council member classified as pro-Yoon, said on CBS Radio, "There should be no self-congratulatory messages. The people are the ones who evaluate, and the president should not preemptively speak on their behalf." He pointed out, "Regarding the phone call with Mr. Myung, the president holds a highly political position. If he disregards political responsibility and simply says there is no legal problem, the public will be very disappointed."

Representative Park Jung-hoon also appeared on MBC Radio, saying, "If this is all just misunderstandings and blown out of proportion, is there really a need for this?" He added, "If the president honestly talks about this issue and shows an apologetic attitude, the public’s hearts might soften."

There are also calls for concrete measures regarding issues related to First Lady Kim Geon-hee. Supreme Council member Kim urged, "We have heard more than once that the First Lady is refraining from activities, but hasn’t she repeatedly stayed quiet and then reappeared? She must clearly state how she intends to conduct herself this time."

On the 1st, amid the prolonged medical-government conflict over the plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 students, citizens at Seoul Station in Jung-gu, Seoul, are watching President Yoon Seok-yeol's national address regarding healthcare reform. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.