From Lee Jun-seok's Alleged Party Membership to New Dementia Drugs

A Facebook post by Jung Kuk-jin, former spokesperson for the New Reform Party, was identified as the starting point for the spread of rumors about former leader Lee Jun-seok joining the People Power Party. The post claimed a merger based on reasons such as the cancellation of a meeting between former leader Lee Jun-seok and lawmaker Kim Min-seok. However, opinions emerged that the claim of Lee Jun-seok joining the People Power Party is unreliable, regardless of the outcome, as it serves to justify the poster's own assertions.

The New Reform Party is in a de facto leadership vacuum, not only due to Lee Jun-seok's resignation but also the concurrent resignation of Supreme Council members. Hwang Hee-doo, a critic, stated, "We cannot let Lee Jun-seok bear the responsibility alone. So, you can consider it practically a leadership vacuum." Consequently, observations are emerging that this situation could lead beyond a simple party leader's resignation to the party's dissolution.

Reporter Kim Dae-ho revealed that he incidentally confirmed a meeting between former leader Lee Jun-seok and former leader Song Young-gil during his coverage in Washington D.C. at the end of June. At the time, there was speculation about candidates for youth minister, and the possibility of parliamentary approval was also discussed. The rumor of Lee Jun-seok's cabinet appointment spread in conjunction with the merger rumors, but it is currently understood to be unfounded. Their meeting sparked various political speculations.

It was pointed out that external operative forces exist online, exploiting specific political factions, which complicates the issue further. Reporter Park Hyun-kwang mentioned, "Actually, there are people who take advantage of this. That's why the problem becomes complex. Many people within also start to utilize these things." These groups share information and shape public opinion through specific Telegram chat rooms, and aspiring politicians, claiming to be supporters, ridicule and exclude critics. Such online activities sometimes lead to framing strategies where perpetrators and victims are reversed.

Frustration was expressed over the phenomenon where individuals who once shared the same concerns are now participating in logic that promotes exclusion and conflict. Reporter Park Hyun-kwang stated, "There was someone who shared these exact concerns with me. But that person is saying these things now. I'm telling you, they shared the same concerns as me. Just a while ago, they were even more like, 'Wow, this is serious,' than I was, but now they're saying these things." This reflects a political environment that is drifting towards exclusion and conflict, with similar communication breakdowns observed in overseas Korean communities.

Professor Choi Young-jin pointed out that the military academy integration plan is linked to the December 12th incident, and that the monolithic academic culture within the academies, fostering absolute obedience, hinders critical thinking and deliberative discussions. The fact that over 70% of the faculty consists of Army Academy graduates was also mentioned as a problem. He explained that a '2+2' integration model has been proposed, where the first two years involve integrated education and the latter two years focus on enhancing branch-specific expertise, to secure diversity in academy education and strengthen critical thinking. Along with this, issues such as declining entrance exam scores and low educational satisfaction indicators were also raised. This integrated model is expected to contribute to improving the quality of academy education and fostering military talent needed for the future.

The Democratic Party's approval rating has shown a rebound since late last week, while the President's approval rating continues its downward trend, deepening the decoupling phenomenon between party and presidential support. The host commented, "The Democratic Party has now rebounded because the party and presidential approval ratings have been decoupled for several weeks. The President's approval rating is already in a situation where it cannot drive the party's approval." This indicates that the President's approval rating is unable to boost the party's support. A leakage from the core support base was also confirmed.

The Blue House is analyzing the reasons for the President's declining approval rating from a complex perspective. Reporter Park Hyun-kwang stated, "The Blue House is actually viewing it as a combination of factors. Policy risks such as real estate and taxation issues, and the leveraged ETF problem, all acted in concert. Plus, it's also true that the core support base has shifted." Policy risks, including real estate and taxation issues, and leveraged ETFs, have collectively played a role, and the exodus of core supporters is also acknowledged. The confirmation of the active support base shrinking by half highlights the seriousness of the approval rating decline.

The nomination of Representative Yong Hye-in as minister is expected to spark heated debate in the media and political circles. Reporter Park Hyun-kwang explained, "The most divisive nomination is that of Representative Yong Hye-in, because it's the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Issues regarding feminism, special treatment, and 'free riding' are now drawing criticism from the media." The media is raising strong criticisms, citing feminist controversies, issues of special treatment, and allegations of free riding. In particular, former leader Lee Jun-seok's critical remarks reignited this controversy. On the other hand, the Democratic Party is focusing on the signal of unity rather than these criticisms, giving a positive assessment. Thus, various perspectives and debates surrounding Representative Yong Hye-in's nomination are expected to continue.

Professor Mook In-hee stated that genetics account for only 1% of dementia onset. She explained, "Genetics is very small, about 1%... There are risk factors where the probability of onset increases depending on whether you have one or two risk factors. But it's not genetics." She emphasized that for senile dementia, the probability of onset can be controlled through managing various risk factors like lifestyle habits, rather than specific genetic factors.

In South Korea, 10% of the population aged 65 or older are dementia patients, and the number is expected to reach 1 million in 2026. Professor Mook In-hee explained, "When we define seniors as those aged 65 or older, 10% of the senior population are dementia patients, totaling 1 million now... It's projected to hit 1 million in 2026... The annual dementia management cost per person is estimated to be about 27 million won based on 2024 standards." The annual dementia management cost per person for 2024 is approximately 27 million won, indicating a significant socioeconomic burden. The increase in dementia patients and high management costs underscore the urgent need for national attention and policy support.

Causal treatments for dementia, first introduced in 2021, began to be administered to patients in Korea starting in 2024. Professor Mook In-hee explained, "Causal treatments also first came out in 2021, and in Korea, they have been administered to patients since 2024. They are causal treatments, not a cure. They remove the cause, improving cognitive function by 20 to 30% and delaying the progression of symptoms." This treatment does not aim for a cure but has shown effects in improving cognitive function by 20-30% and delaying the worsening of symptoms by removing the cause. This is hopeful news for dementia patients, expected to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. The introduction of causal treatments signifies a major shift in the dementia treatment paradigm.

Existing early dementia diagnostic methods, such as PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid tests, had limitations of high cost and patient discomfort. Professor Mook In-hee mentioned, "There are three methods for early diagnosis... The U.S. FDA has approved a method that can diagnose with a single drop of blood... I believe it will soon be introduced in Korea... If it's made like a COVID kit... I think it can be fast, cheap, and easy." In contrast, the blood-based diagnostic technology approved by the U.S. FDA can diagnose dementia early with a single drop of blood, significantly reducing the patient's burden. This technology is being prepared for introduction in Korea and is expected to be commercialized in a form that is fast, cheap, and easy to use, like COVID kits. Blood-based diagnostic technology is anticipated to be a game-changer in early dementia diagnosis.

Research results suggest that about 45% of dementia risk factors can be prevented through lifestyle improvements. Professor Mook In-hee emphasized, "Every two years, scholars compile and publish statistics, saying, 'These are the risk factors.'... If we combine them all, 45% of us can avoid getting it if we change our habits and solve these problems." Key risk factors cited include lack of exercise, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and social isolation. Improving these risk factors can significantly lower the chances of developing dementia. This highlights the importance of active intervention in dementia prevention.

The importance of raising awareness about the increasing incidence of dementia and a daily checklist of 5 dementia prevention tips that can be practiced in daily life was emphasized. Professor Mook In-hee said, "Don't just be afraid, don't think it's too late. If you use the five things I mentioned earlier as a daily checklist, we can be free from dementia." This asserts that one should actively participate in preventive activities rather than fearing dementia. Furthermore, there was a call for national attention and support for dementia research. Dementia prevention requires not only individual effort but also the backing of social systems to maximize its effectiveness.

Professor Han Mun-do criticized former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok for her lack of professionalism and communication style. He stated, "I pointed out that when young people were struggling, she spoke too much with a smile. And she's not a professional. As a control tower, at crucial moments, you need to clearly signal the market, but there were too many signals, making it difficult for the market to judge." Conversely, he expressed anticipation for candidate Hong Ji-seon, expecting her to gain market trust based on her field experience and expertise. This connects to the issue of the absence of a government policy control tower and shows expectations for the new minister's role.

Analyst Lee Kwang-soo pointed out that the Lee Jae-myung government's real estate policy has been driven by the president's reliance, without a leading figure. He said, "There was no figure leading this effort. So, it was just the president alone, showing the president's will and following the president's lead. In that sense, the same thing is still happening now. Going forward, I hope the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, especially since they've changed, will present a vision and take responsibility for how they will lead housing policy." Despite having policies, the absence of a person to lead and take responsibility for them means the structure relies entirely on the president's will. Consequently, there is a call for the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to present a clear vision and take responsibility for housing policy. The argument also arose that coordination is needed between the Democratic Party's demands and the government's response.

Professor Han Mun-do consistently argued for the market-driving effect of the price cap for new apartments. He urged the government to give a clear signal about introducing the price cap, stating, "I wish they would give some signal about apartment prices. If they just say, 'We will truly implement the price cap for new apartments,' everyone is waiting." He refuted the lottery subscription controversy by referring to downward market pressure and argued that the price cap could balance developers' profitability and public good.

Professor Han Mun-do analyzed the lottery subscription frame as a developer's logic and emphasized the necessity of the price cap for new apartments. He explained, "If apartment prices go down, what happens to those who are building next door? They can't build because the land is expensive. They don't make profit. Then land prices go down. Then it's a mutual reduction." He argued that if apartment prices decrease, land prices also decrease, which can lead to an overall downward leveling of the market. Discussions also took place regarding the funding issues for public housing and the legitimacy of introducing the price cap. This leads to the criticism that the lottery subscription controversy is trapped in a market distortion frame, hindering policy discussions.

One of the main reasons government real estate policies fail to gain market trust is attributed to consumers' preference for private brands. Analyst Lee Kwang-soo noted, "Market consumers prefer private brands over LH marks," pointing out the reality that publicly-led supply is overlooked by the market despite its advantages. Publicly-led supply, despite its advantages, fails to secure effectiveness, and the policy stance trapped in the lottery subscription frame is also raised as a problem. These issues reveal the limitations of public supply and result in failing to meet market demand. Therefore, the government needs to understand the preference for private brands and seek ways to improve the quality of public supply.

Analyst Lee Kwang-soo pointed out that the South Korean real estate market lacks normal self-correction, where demand should decrease and supply increase when prices rise. He explained, "In the South Korean real estate market, when prices rise, demand should decrease, but instead, demand increases. Conversely, when prices rise, supply should increase, but supply decreases." This is a paradoxical phenomenon of a market dominated by investment and speculative demand, leading to a locking up of properties during price increases. This abnormal structure exacerbates market distortion and undermines housing stability for genuine buyers. Therefore, fundamental policy changes are needed to correct this market distortion.

The core principle of tax policy for real estate market normalization is to shift 'from ownership to residency' and ensure tax fairness. Analyst Lee Kwang-soo emphasized, "It is an excellent policy that pursues real estate market normalization from ownership to residency, corrects the fairness of the tax burden from regressive to progressive structures, and includes the will for real estate reform by introducing a new policy, the capital gains tax deduction limit." This aims to create a residency-focused real estate market by managing taxes to lower expected profits, and to increase the fairness of tax burden by changing the regressive tax structure to a progressive one. New policies like the introduction of capital gains tax deduction limits embody the will for real estate reform, and by prohibiting exceptions that undermine the foundation of real estate policy, market trust must be restored.

Professor Han Mun-do emphasized that history has already proven that taxes alone cannot control housing prices. He stated, "It's already proven that taxes alone cannot control housing prices. All papers over 120 years have concluded that tax policies without supporting supply have failed." Over 120 years of real estate-related papers clearly demonstrate the limitations of tax policies not backed by supply. Therefore, he argued that tax policy should function as a complement to supply policy, and that stabilizing the real estate market requires parallel supply policies like the price cap for new apartments. This reiterates the essential role of supply in real estate policy.