DistantNews
Support us
🇰🇷 South Korea /Disasters & Emergencies

In Yo-han's Red Cross Appointment Faces Backlash Over Emergency Decree Remarks

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former lawmaker In Yo-han, selected as the new chairman of the Korean Red Cross, faces controversy over his past remarks supporting a military emergency decree.
  • In has apologized, stating he regrets not opposing the decree and has since resigned from his legislative post, citing disappointment with the post-decree political developments.
  • President Lee Jae-myung is reportedly considering public opinion before making a final decision on In's appointment, while various political figures and medical groups have voiced criticism.

The appointment of former lawmaker In Yo-han as the new chairman of the Korean Red Cross is mired in controversy due to his past remarks seemingly supporting a military emergency decree. In, who previously stated he "understood" former President Yoon Suk-yeol "with his heart" during the decree period, has repeatedly apologized since his selection, expressing regret for not opposing the decree.

It was an expression of my position on the emergency decree through action. I resigned because I thought the emergency decree was wrong.

— In Yo-hanExplaining his resignation from his legislative post as a protest against the military emergency decree.

In Yo-han stated in an interview that his actions, such as resigning from his legislative seat, demonstrated his stance against the decree. He explained that his resignation was a direct consequence of his belief that the decree was wrong. He further elaborated that after resigning, he expressed disappointment and humiliation regarding the events that unfolded in the year following the decree's implementation.

In light of the events that have unfolded over the past year since the emergency decree, I am disappointed and feel humiliated.

— In Yo-hanExpressing his feelings about the aftermath of the military emergency decree.

Despite his apologies, criticism has continued from across the political spectrum. Park Jie-won, a Democratic Party lawmaker, called for a public apology from In for "defending forces of rebellion." Another senior Democratic Party member expressed difficulty in accepting an appointee with views contrary to the government's stance. Even within the ruling People Power Party, some lawmakers urged In to offer a clearer apology to the public.

He should have apologized to the public for defending the forces of rebellion and standing at the forefront.

— Park Jie-wonA Democratic Party lawmaker, criticizing In Yo-han's past remarks.

Adding to the controversy, medical groups have criticized In's past advocacy for the privatization of medical services. Na Baek-ju, a professor of preventive medicine, argued that appointing someone with views opposing the strengthening of public healthcare to a position requiring such commitment is inappropriate. The Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union plans to hold an emergency press conference urging President Lee Jae-myung to reject In's appointment.

It is difficult to readily agree to the appointment of a person with perceptions that do not align with the government's direction.

— Anonymous Democratic Party lawmakerExpressing reservations about In Yo-han's appointment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog