Controversy over Mrs. Kim’s public behavior… Even the ruling party asks, “What on earth is the Office of Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs doing to convey public sentiment?”

by times news cr

Mapo Bridge patrols and volunteer activities begin in earnest
Criticism from close friends, etc. that “they don’t meet the public’s expectations”
Hong Jun-pyo: “Now is not the time for Mrs. Kim to come out”

President Yoon Seok-yeol’s wife Kim Kun-hee (left) inspects the railing wires on Mapo Bridge with officers from the Yonggang District Police Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th. Courtesy of the Office of the President

There has been continued public criticism within the ruling party regarding the recent public outings of President Yoon Seok-yeol’s wife, Kim Kun-hee. After appearing in President Yoon’s Chuseok greeting video, Mrs. Kim released a photo of herself doing volunteer work at a facility for disabled children on the 15th during the Chuseok holiday. She is also scheduled to accompany President Yoon on his visit to the Czech Republic from the 19th to the 22nd.

Regarding this, Shin Ji-ho, the People Power Party’s pro-Kim (pro-Han Dong-hoon) deputy director of strategy and planning, pointed out on the 18th, “There is a strong critical public opinion about the patrol of Mapo Bridge. There are also various controversies about the Chuseok greeting video.” He also asked, “What on earth is the newly established Office of Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs, which was created to reflect public sentiment in real time, doing?” and “I hope the Office of Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs properly understands this and relays it to the president and his wife.”

People Power Party lawmaker Kim Yong-tae also said, “(Ms. Kim) should be aware that whatever she does, it will not be viewed favorably by the public.” Rep. Kim said, “It seems that the public’s negative feelings toward her are growing,” and “Many in the ruling party have similar thoughts, but some are unable to speak out.” Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo also said on the 16th, “(Ms. Kim) is not the time to come out. Isn’t she the subject of all kinds of gossip?” and “Public activities could make things harder for the public.”

The party leadership pointed out that the timing was inappropriate, given that the opposition party is gearing up to handle the Kim Gun-hee Special Prosecutor Act right after Chuseok. A key member of the leadership said, “The state is in disarray due to her own issues, such as the ‘Kim Gun-hee Special Prosecutor Act,’ and it does not fit with the public sentiment for her to come out as if she is going to resolve it.” A member of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region also said, “There are criticisms that Mrs. Kim’s actions are providing fodder for the Democratic Party,” and “She should reduce her media exposure now.”

The Democratic Party of Korea continued to criticize throughout the Chuseok holiday period, saying, “The politics of the unelected first lady will become a dark history of mad politics.” Supreme Council member Kim Min-seok said, “It is being confirmed that Mrs. Kim’s center instinct, leadership force, and Mrs. Kim’s superiority are the essence of ‘joint power of the couple.’”

Reporter Cho Kwon-hyung [email protected]
Reporter Yoon Myeong-jin [email protected]

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2024-09-19 07:38:51

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