Andong: Democratic Party (DP) leader Kim Min-seok has called upon President Lee Jae Myung to reconsider the appointment of Ihn Yohan, a former lawmaker from the main opposition People Power Party, as the new head of the Korean Red Cross, a ruling party spokesperson announced on Wednesday. Kim's request follows a dinner meeting between President Lee and DP leaders at Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office, on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim expressed that it would be preferable not to appoint Ihn as the chief of the Korean Red Cross, after compiling opinions from both within and outside the party. DP senior spokesperson Park Sung-joon relayed this sentiment during a media briefing held in the southeastern city of Andong. Ihn Yohan was selected through a vote by the Korean Red Cross's central committee in June and is slated to commence a three-year term, contingent on the approval of President Lee, who serves as the honorary president of the organization.

The National Assembly's public officials ethics committee has reviewed and confirmed Ihn's eligibility for the position. Nonetheless, his appointment has faced criticism, particularly due to his abstention from voting on the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol following the declaration of martial law in December 2024. Ihn, originally from an American family known for their contributions to medicine and education in South Korea, became a naturalized South Korean citizen in 2012.