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| ▲ This photo shows Han Dong-hoon (R), leader of the ruling People Power Party, speaking during a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on Sept. 30, 2024. (Yonhap) |
PPP-probe
PPP looking into ex-presidential official's alleged attempt to sabotage PPP leader ahead of party election
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Yonhap) -- The ruling People Power Party (PPP) said Wednesday it is looking into allegations that a former presidential official conspired with a YouTube news channel to discredit PPP leader Han Dong-hoon ahead of his election as party chief.
The allegations, if confirmed, would reinforce widespread speculation that relations between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Han have been irreversibly frayed after they collided on one sensitive issue after another, including how to handle first lady Kim Keon Hee's acceptance of a luxury handbag.
Voice of Seoul, a liberal YouTube-based news channel, recently released an audio recording of Kim Dae-nam, the former presidential official, asking one of its reporters before the PPP's July 23 national convention to work together to take Han down.
Kim, now an auditor of the state-funded Seoul Guarantee Insurance Company since August, made the request, saying the first lady had been very stressed because of Han and she would be pleased "if we plan this well and take him down," according to the recording.
"The People Power Party will uncover the truth through necessary procedures and sternly hold those responsible to account according to the results," PPP spokesperson Han Zeea said in a press release, referring to the recording.
Noting that Kim is a PPP member, the spokesperson said it would be an act hurting the party and a crime if a member of the conservative party colluded with a leftist YouTuber and instigated attacks on a politician of his own party.
The PPP is expected to consider disciplinary action against Kim, including expulsion from the party.
Kim is said to have been an avid supporter of President Yoon Suk Yeol, actively participating in his fan club before joining Yoon's presidential campaign in 2022.
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