Is Lee Jae-myung Being Swayed by Kim Min-seok? Signs of Fissure

Immediately after nominating the Minister of Economy and Finance, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of Chuseok price management, stating, "If you can't control Chuseok prices, I might withdraw your nomination." This remark instilled considerable fear in the attendees and served as a powerful warning message to the new ministerial nominees.

President Lee Jae-myung appointed Lee Hyung-il, Vice Minister of Economy and Finance, and Hong Ji-sun, Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as ministers. This is interpreted as Lee Jae-myung's method of disciplining officials. It is analyzed that he expressed his determination to proceed on his own path without changing policy directions, sending a warning message that they could be immediately dismissed if their performance is insufficient.

Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom's resignation appears to have been at the party's request, not voluntary. Political commentator Park Sang-kyu analyzed that party leader Kim Min-seok pressured President Lee Jae-myung by holding the power to nominate candidates for the next general election. This suggests that real estate taxation and policy directions may be adjusted closer to the party's will.

As party leader Kim Min-seok asserts his presence through his own broadcast channels, the standing of the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction within the party is changing. Political commentator Park Sang-kyu stated, "What is felt to be more painful and dangerous than being attacked by Cho Kuk is Kim Min-seok starting to disobey," pointing to the loss of President Lee Jae-myung's policy-driving force. This shows that the internal party conflict over nominations is intensifying.

The primary concern for the 161 Democratic Party lawmakers is to secure their seats again in the next general election. Political commentator Park Sang-kyu said, "They are intensely calculating whether this 청와대 (Cheong Wa Dae, presidential office) owner, Lee Jae-myung, will be helpful or not." Judging that the 'pro-Lee' title could be a burden in the general election, an increasing number of lawmakers are beginning to distance themselves from President Lee Jae-myung, with Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom's dismissal as a turning point.

When Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom submitted his resignation, it was immediately accepted, leading to controversy over his dismissal. When a reporter asked about his dismissal, Kim Yong-beom replied, "It would be disappointing if you call it a dismissal," revealing his feelings. This is interpreted as an implicit acknowledgment of his dismissal while expressing regret.

Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom was a key policy architect of the Lee Jae-myung administration. However, his dismissal, though formally President Lee Jae-myung's decision, appears to have been primarily orchestrated by party leader Kim Min-seok. Political commentator Park Sang-kyu said, "Kim Yong-beom's dismissal is correct, and the person who formally dismissed him seems to be Lee Jae-myung, but it is actually Kim Min-seok," suggesting a power shift is underway within the ruling party.

The decoupling phenomenon between President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating and the Democratic Party's approval rating is intensifying. Political commentator Park Sang-kyu commented, "If public opinion worsens, and only Lee Jae-myung's approval rating drops while the Democratic Party's rises, Kim Min-seok wouldn't act like this." It seems Kim Min-seok sought to use this situation to clarify that President Lee Jae-myung's declining approval rating is not helping the Democratic Party's rise, and to assert his leadership among ruling party lawmakers.

Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom has a strong negative perception among the 2030 generation related to leveraged ETFs. Political commentator Park Sang-kyu pointed out, "Kim Yong-beom is the person who ripped my wallet through leveraged ETFs." According to Machiavellian philosophy, a person who rips one's wallet is remembered longer than an enemy. Thus, Kim Min-seok seems to have effectively demonstrated his power and delivered a message to the younger generation by dismissing Kim Yong-beom as an example.

Political commentator Park Sang-kyu criticized President Lee Jae-myung for not adequately studying past political history and making the misjudgment of overly relying on party leader Kim Min-seok. President Lee Jae-myung thought Kim Min-seok would become his subordinate, but Kim Min-seok, a former university student council president in his 20s, is skilled in the jungle-like logic of central politics. This misjudgment shows that President Lee Jae-myung failed to properly read Kim Min-seok's political ambitions and the power dynamics, which could lead to greater changes in the ruling party's power structure in the future.