Ruling party chief Han Dong-hoon emphasized his trusting relationship with President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, apparently aiming to soothe public concerns in the wake of a clash between the two as April's parliamentary elections near.

Tensions had escalated earlier between the two over how to handle allegations that first lady Kim Keon Hee received a luxury bag as a gift in 2022, leading the presidential office to request that Han step down as the chief of the ruling People Power Party (PPP)'s emergency leadership committee.

"The reason why he (Yoon) and I are able to maintain this trusting relationship is because we acknowledge differences and do not impose our own thoughts when opinions differ," Han said during a debate forum hosted by the Kwanhun Club, an association of senior journalists.

In an apparent effort to mend their relationship amid fears that the rift could harm the PPP in the April 10 election, Yoon and Han, considered one of his closest confidants since their time as prosecutors, held a luncheon last week.

"Communication with the presidential office is being carried out faithfully in various ways," Han said, reaffirming that his relationship with Yoon spans years in both public and private spheres.

Amid keen attention on what Yoon will say regarding allegations involving the first lady during an interview with TV station KBS to be aired later in the day, Han also said his stance has remained unchanged from the beginning.

Kim came under fire after video footage was released last year of her receiving a Christian Dior bag, valued at around 3 million won (US$2,200), from a Korean American pastor in September 2022. The pastor secretly filmed her taking the bag with a camera hidden in his watch.

"I think the president will properly address the issue," Han said, adding that the incident, in principle, was a premeditated hidden camera trap.

Han, however, said there are "aspects that the people could be worried about" and that the issue should be "considered from the people's perspective."

Reiterating his commitment to regaining the majority from the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) through the election, Han said he would step down from the position if he failed to reach the goal.

"After April 10, whether I win or lose, I know that my life would turn upside down," he said.  Regarding a question about whether he is willing to run for the next presidential election, he said he is not thinking about his life's course after the April general elections.

In a survey conducted jointly by Yonhap News Agency and Yonhap News TV, Han and DP Chairman Lee Jae-myung had the same approval rating of 36 percent in the presumed two-way race for possible presidential candidates.

Han then intensified criticism against Lee, saying it is regrettable that the DP leader lies too much and shows no shame about it.

"It is such a powerful politics that (Lee) is still the party leader and is in control of the party even after going through this kind of ordeal and wave," Han said.