President Yoon Suk Yeol has decided to hold a one-on-one meeting with ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon sometime after next week's regional by-elections, a senior presidential official said Thursday. Han has repeatedly called for a private meeting with Yoon to discuss pressing issues, including those related to first lady Kim Keon Hee, but Yoon was apparently negative about the proposal after their once-close relations have frayed badly. Yoon's decision to meet bilaterally with Han came amid a growing sense of crisis within the ruling party as the main opposition Democratic Party as been stepping up a political offensive against Yoon, with some even talking about his impeachment, citing allegations surrounding the first lady.
"The president has accepted suggestions from aides a few days ago with regard to the need for a one-on-one meeting with Chairman Han," the senior presidential official told Yonhap News Agency by phone. "As Chairman Han is busy with by-election campaigns, they will meet after the elections." The by-elections are set for Wednesday next week, with five local administrative seats up for grabs.
Observers say Yoon and Han will likely discuss ways to counter the opposition's intensifying offensive as the DP has been targeting the first lady's allegations, including her receipt of a luxury handbag in 2022 and alleged interference in the April general elections. The two sides are also expected to exchange their views on the impasse over the medical r.
