Health Groups Demand Suspension of In Yo-han's Red Cross Appointment Over Political Stances

A coalition of health and civic organizations is vehemently opposing the appointment of In Yo-han, a former lawmaker from the People Power Party, as the 32nd president of the Korean Red Cross. The groups are urging President Lee Jae-myung to halt the confirmation process, citing In's past stances against the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his advocacy for private healthcare and for-profit hospitals.

In a statement released on May 23, the Movement Headquarters for the Prevention of Medical Privatization and Realization of Free Medical Care, along with the Health and Medical Rights Realization Coalition, criticized In's appointment. "In, who sought to trample on all basic rights and human rights by denying democracy, is someone who opposed the impeachment," they stated. "Appointing him to lead a humanitarian organization like the Red Cross is a self-negation of the Red Cross's very reason for existence."

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In, who sought to trample on all basic rights and human rights by denying democracy, is someone who opposed the impeachment. Appointing him to lead a humanitarian organization like the Red Cross is a self-negation of the Red Cross's very reason for existence.

The organizations further pointed out that even within In's own party, concerns were raised. They quoted a People Power Party lawmaker, Han Ji-ah, who questioned whether appointing such an individual aligns with the current government's stated goals of "clearing past wrongs and practical governance." The groups argued that this appointment disregards public shame and disappointment.

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I practiced my convictions through 'resigning from my parliamentary seat' rather than through 'a thousand words' regarding the damage to the constitutional order and national misfortune caused by the illegal martial law.

Concerns were also raised about In's views on healthcare policy. The Korean Red Cross engages in public health initiatives, yet In is described as a "pro-business, market-oriented individual" who has argued that the national health insurance system has "strong socialist characteristics" and advocated for the introduction of private health insurance and for-profit hospitals. Amidst the growing controversy, In released a statement defending his actions. He stated that he practiced his convictions through "resigning from his parliamentary seat" rather than through "a thousand words" regarding the "damage to the constitutional order and national misfortune caused by the illegal martial law."

In emphasized that the Korean Red Cross is an institution that practices pure humanitarianism, independent of politics, and pledged to fulfill his duties with utmost effort. However, he did not offer specific explanations regarding his past remarks on medical privatization. The Korean Red Cross announced In's selection on May 22 through a Central Committee vote. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the President, who serves as the honorary president of the Red Cross, after which he would serve a three-year term.

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The Korean Red Cross is an institution that practices pure humanitarianism, independent of politics.