Mainstream Left-wing Activists Begin to Check Lee Jae-myung

In particular, Cho Kuk drew a line, stating that Representative Lee's trial is not subject to withdrawal of charges according to Supreme Court precedent. It was mentioned that Representative Lee Jae-myung's election law violation trial is currently suspended, but it will resume after Lee's term ends and he is likely to be found guilty. This remark is analyzed as Cho Kuk's political maneuver to target Representative Lee Jae-myung, going beyond simple legal advice.

Former Minister Cho Kuk named Kim Min-seok as the strongest competitor for the presidency. In contrast, he assessed that Jeong Cheong-rae is not yet considered presidential material. This is interpreted as Cho Kuk's strategic move to weaken Representative Lee Jae-myung and his supporting 'Gae-ddal' faction.

The mainstream activist forces, centered around figures like Yoo Si-min and Cho Kuk, known as the 'Sanho-maeng,' are attempting to rebuild their power by encompassing the DJ faction and the Moon Jae-in faction. They assess that Lee Jae-myung and 'Gae-ddal,' as non-mainstream figures, have been 'adopted' into the mainstream, and they are moving to reclaim leadership.

It was pointed out that the repeated practice of only appointing close associates, a 'clique-style' appointment, failed to offer hope to the public.

Controversy arose over the exclusion of individuals from the Honam region in this selection. In particular, Honam-born individuals like Ahn Gyu-baek and former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-deok were not appointed simultaneously. It is assessed that they were mercilessly abandoned after their votes were secured in the party convention.

Former Minister Kim Yong-beom suddenly resigned. Questions were raised about his resignation occurring not immediately after the cabinet appointment announcement. This is analyzed as a result reflecting the party's stance rather than his own will.

This is evaluated as Representative Lee Jae-myung's strategic card change.

He was in a humiliating situation, having to carry out his U.S. schedule while dismissed. The interlocutor mentioned that former Minister Koo might be covered as the subject of a political incident rather than as a Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

It is assessed that cruelly cutting people off for political purposes is Lee Jae-myung's style.

However, it was pointed out that the election law trial is already in the appellate stage, beyond the Ministry of Justice's authority to withdraw charges. There are also predictions that Representative Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings will accelerate their decline due to Kim Seung-won's appointment.

A sense of crisis is spreading among mainstream Juche-leaning figures like Yoo Si-min, and criticism and checks from within the pro-North Korean Juche-leaning faction are expected to be unavoidable.

In a survey conducted from August 31 to September 1, Lee's approval rating was 34.7%. An analysis suggested that historically, it is very difficult for approval ratings to rebound after falling into the 30% range. Lee's approval rating has been declining for eight consecutive weeks.

An analysis suggests that the 30% range is much more disadvantageous for securing seats compared to the 40% range. Tax increases and controversies over the judicial system are negatively affecting approval ratings, and even within the Democratic Party, a sense of crisis is reportedly being felt.

Negative public opinion arose regarding the appointments, with the nomination of Kim Seung-won as Minister of Justice candidate becoming the center of controversy.

Kim is known for previously advocating for dismissal of charges and withdrawal of charges. Furthermore, his stance as an advocate for abolishing the crime of breach of trust was highlighted, leading to criticism that his appointment was a move to avoid trial.

Kim Seung-won was appointed as co-representative of this group, raising suspicions of an organized move to obstruct justice. It was pointed out that this political activity does not meet public expectations.

Minister of Justice candidate Kim Seung-won stated that he has no intention of exercising ministerial command regarding the withdrawal of charges. However, given his past actions, the credibility of this statement has been questioned, leading to a policy of rejecting his confirmation.