Handonghun on Yoon-Han Conflict Rumors: "An Attempt to Obscure the Essence" (Comprehensive)

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, refuted the view held by some that he is in conflict with President Yoon Suk-yeol over differences in solutions to the medical policy dispute, calling the "conflict frame an attempt to obscure the essence."

On the 30th, Han stated on his Facebook, "We are now talking about the people's right to life," emphasizing this point. He added, "Instead of evading the essence through Yeouido-style conflict framing and personal attacks against me, we must directly address the core issue of whether the people's lives and health are currently at risk, and if so, what the alternatives are."

Handonghun, Leader of the People Power Party [Image source=Yonhap News]

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Earlier, after the party's training session closing ceremony, Han told reporters, "I believe medical reform is necessary and that increasing the number of doctors is also needed," emphasizing, "Because the health and lives of the people are absolute values, policies must be implemented with utmost caution."

Regarding the proposal to postpone the increase in medical school admissions until the 2026 academic year, he said, "It would be good if there were better alternatives," adding, "I am not saying that my alternative is the only correct answer."

Han's remarks appear to reflect his perception that some are framing his mediation plan to resolve the medical policy dispute as a conflict between the party and the government. When pointed out that "some say it is not a party-government conflict but a Han Dong-hoon-government conflict," he responded, "That 'some' seems to be part of the presidential office, but speaking anonymously like that does not seem to improve the situation."

Regarding criticism that President Yoon Suk-yeol did not attend the party training session for the first time since his inauguration and postponed a dinner with party leadership on the day, suggesting it might be a party-government emotional clash, Han said, "I have no feelings about it." When asked if he plans to meet with President Yoon again, he replied, "I have not heard of any separate plans."

In response to pro-Yoon lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong's comment targeting him, saying, "You cannot solve issues just by throwing words around," Han said, "When it comes to important issues, especially when public opinion varies, it is the duty of the ruling party leader to try to reflect that," adding, "That is why 63% supported me during the party convention."

He continued, "We discussed with experts within the party and came up with such alternatives," and said, "Isn't it true that the party leader does not have to go through a full party member vote or a parliamentary caucus every time they express an opinion in important situations?"

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