Han Dong-hoon, the interim leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), has publicly confirmed that he was requested to resign by President Yoon Suk-yeol’s chief of staff, Lee Kwan-sup, but has chosen to reject the request. This revelation highlights an unexpected rift between Yoon and the interim party leader, particularly as tensions mount over how to address allegations involving the first lady, Kim Keon-hee, receiving a luxury bag as a gift in 2022.

The refusal by Han, a close confidant of Yoon, to step down from his leadership position within the PPP signals potential instability within the party. This comes at a crucial time as the party faces internal debates on addressing public and legal scrutiny ahead of the parliamentary elections in April, thereby casting a shadow on the party’s unity and future political maneuvers.