'I regret not opposing martial law': In Yo-han elected head of Korean Red Cross

In Yo-han, a former People Power Party lawmaker elected as the new president of the Korean Red Cross, said he regrets not taking more active steps to oppose the emergency martial law declaration last year.

"I judged that stepping down from my National Assembly seat at the end of last year was taking responsibility through action," In told Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday. "I regret and am ashamed that I did not publicly and actively oppose the emergency martial law at the time."

The Korean Red Cross elected In as its 32nd president through a central committee vote on June 22. He will take office after receiving approval from President Lee Jae Myung.

In skipped the National Assembly's impeachment vote against then-President Yoon Suk Yeol following the emergency martial law declaration in 2024 and was seen as sympathetic toward Yoon. His appointment has drawn criticism from some quarters, including within the ruling camp, who say he is unsuitable to lead the organization.

In, who held a proportional representation seat, resigned from the Assembly in December last year. In January, he said he was "deeply disappointed and ashamed" by what had come to light in the year since the martial law declaration, and described himself as "a failed lawmaker."

Park Yong-jin, vice chairman of the presidential Committee on Regulatory Reform, appeared on KBS on Wednesday and criticized the appointment. "In Yo-han never said in words that he opposed the Dec. 3 emergency martial law, nor did he criticize it — if anything, he gave the impression of going along with it," Park said. "Some interpret his sudden resignation from the Assembly as a form of criticism after the fact, but for someone who held a constitutional office, that is far too irresponsible."

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Ji-won, a five-term member, also weighed in on CBS Radio's "Park Sung-tae's News Show." "I believe he defended the insurrection forces and stood at the front of them," Park said, adding that In "should have issued a public apology." Park also questioned whether the appointment was necessary "at a time when the ruling party's base is in such an extreme state."

In was born in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, and holds a bachelor's degree in medicine from Yonsei University and master's and doctoral degrees in medicine from Korea University.

In 1991, he became director of the International Medical Center at Severance Hospital, laying the groundwork for medical services for foreigners in South Korea. In 2012, he was recognized for developing a Korean-style ambulance and became the country's first naturalized citizen granted special status.

He previously served as a member of the 22nd National Assembly and as the fourth president of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare.