Calls for apology over Dec. 3 insurrection stance
![People Power Party lawmaker John Linton walks to his vehicle after announcing his resignation from the National Assembly at the press briefing room in Yeouido, Seoul, on Dec. 10 last year. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/23/rcv.YNA.20251210.PYH2025121003360001301_P1.jpg)
People Power Party lawmaker Han Ji-a has criticized the election of former lawmaker John Linton, 66, as the 32nd chairman of the Korean Red Cross, citing his opposition to the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol and saying Linton should offer "at least a minimum show of apology to the public."
Han, a physician-turned-lawmaker, posted on Facebook on Monday saying, "Personnel appointments ultimately reveal the philosophy of the administration," and questioned whether the appointment represented what the Lee Jae Myung government calls "clearing out the insurrection" and pragmatism.
Han said the Korean Red Cross "is an organization that upholds humanitarianism, life and human dignity," and that "its leader must also be someone who embodies those values."
She said Linton had stated he "understood with his heart" former President Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law on Dec. 3, and that while he acknowledged the martial law was wrong, he placed the full blame on the then-opposition Democratic Party of Korea. He also publicly opposed Yoon's impeachment, Han said, adding that "there has been no reflection or apology from him since for his judgment and choices."
Han said that "the choices one made at the moment democracy was under threat must be subject to public evaluation," and that "personnel appointments ultimately reveal the philosophy of the administration."
She also recalled that on the day in December 2024 when the PPP skipped the impeachment vote, Linton had been telling jokes inside the party caucus room amid a heavy silence. "He must apologize even now," she said. "If he cannot bring himself to do so, the Lee Jae Myung government, which entrusted him with this important post, must apologize on his behalf."
The Korean Red Cross elected Linton, a former professor at Yonsei University's International Medical Center, as its 32nd chairman through a vote of its central committee on Monday.
Born in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Linton earned a bachelor's degree in medicine from Yonsei University and master's and doctoral degrees in medicine from Korea University. He is credited with laying the groundwork for medical care for foreigners in South Korea after becoming director of Severance Hospital's International Medical Center in 1991.
"Under the Red Cross spirit of humanitarianism, I will dedicate myself to leading the development of the Korean Red Cross and helping marginalized neighbors, drawing on my diverse experience," Linton said upon his election.
Under the Korean Red Cross Organization Act, Linton will serve a three-year term after receiving approval from President Lee Jae Myung, who serves as the organization's honorary chairman.
'Anti-impeachment' John Linton: 'Yoon's martial law was unwise — he is paying the price'
PPP lawmaker John Linton, who had opposed the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, drew attention after criticizing Yoon's decision in an interview with a foreign media outlet.
jshan@heraldcorp.com
