Former President Park Geun-hye Urges Party Unity

Former President Park Geun-hye warned that internal party division is the most frightening enemy when fighting against an external foe. She emphasized that while diverse opinions can exist within a political party, members should not hate or deny each other. This is interpreted as a criticism aimed at forces, including the pro-Han faction, that are causing chaos within the party.

Former President Park Geun-hye stated that during difficult times, the party must unite and move forward centered on its leadership. She drew a line against calls for the dissolution of the party leadership or the resignation of its representative, emphasizing that the special prosecutor for the National Election Commission was a result achieved by both the party leadership and the lawmakers who fought. This appears to be an attempt to empower the party's current leadership system.

Former President Park Geun-hye declared her intention to regain power, stating that by facing reality and consolidating capabilities, the party can become the majority and regain power again in 2028. This message is interpreted as an attempt to instill hope for a general election victory and regaining power among People Power Party supporters.

The Kwun Chang-young 2nd Comprehensive Special Prosecution Team has been embroiled in controversy for allegedly overusing two military reserve helicopters on standby for operations for an on-site inspection in Yeonpyeong Island. All 10 members of the special prosecution team boarded the helicopters, causing a 6-hour gap in military power and incurring approximately 4 million won in fuel costs, leading to accusations of excessive protocol. This incident has led to criticism of the special prosecution team's work methods. Heo Hyun-jun reported, "The Kwun Chang-young 2nd Comprehensive Special Prosecution Team has been embroiled in controversy for allegedly overusing military reserve helicopters on standby for operations during an on-site inspection in Yeonpyeong Island."

The Reform Party's approval rating has stagnated at 2%, leading to assessments that it virtually lacks presence as a political party. In particular, it has been pointed out that the collapse of support among its core base, 2030s males, indicates a weakening of the party's political foundation. A panelist explained, "It's virtually meaningless as a political party, with absolutely no presence, and Lee Jun-seok's support base, the 2030s, especially young men, has also collapsed."

The 'Han Dong-hoon, Oh Se-hoon, Lee Jun-seok' tripartite alliance was discussed as an alternative to the People Power Party's Jang Dong-hyuk leadership, but such discussions seem to have almost disappeared recently. The strategy of former representative Lee Jun-seok joining the People Power Party to secure a share failed, and a combination of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's 10 million won fine verdict, Chairman Han Dong-hoon's investigation of the party bulletin board, and the pro-Han faction's crisis are analyzed to have led to the disappearance of alliance expectations. A panelist said, "They talked about a tripartite alliance of Han Dong-hoon, Oh Se-hoon, and Lee Jun-seok as if it were an alternative to Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk's system. But recently, they've almost stopped talking about it."

Cho Gab-je, CEO, claimed that former representative Lee Jun-seok should have directly run for Gyeonggi governor in the local elections and failed because he did not enter the election arena himself. However, this claim is difficult to realize due to the practical difficulty of having to step down from his current National Assembly seat. Some critics interpret this as a logic from the pan-right camp to politically render former representative Lee Jun-seok obsolete. A panelist mentioned, "Lee Jun-seok should have directly run for Gyeonggi governor in the local elections. He failed because he didn't directly enter the election arena."

Criticism has been raised against political commentator Kim Jun-il for proposing 'Minju Innovation Party' as the name for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, using the acronym 'Minhyeokdang,' and stating, "They will all be executed," which trivialized the Inhyeokdang incident. In response, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party has indicated strong countermeasures, including legal action. This remark sparked significant controversy for lightly addressing a historical tragedy. A panelist recounted the situation, saying, "It became the Minju Innovation Party, right? So what should it be called? He suggested 'Minhyeokdang,' and then he laughed and said, 'Oh, they'll all be executed.'"

Representative Cho Kuk announced that he would field 'assassin nominations' in the constituencies of Rep. Kang Deuk-gu and Rep. Lee Eon-ju, who oppose unification with the Democratic Party, to ensure their defeat. This is interpreted as the Cho Kuk Innovation Party's intention to establish an independent path amid deepening conflict between the pro-Lee Jae-myung and anti-Lee Jae-myung factions within the Democratic Party. These moves are expected to further intensify competition between the Democratic Party and the Cho Kuk Innovation Party in the upcoming general election. A panelist quoted Representative Cho Kuk's remarks, saying, "We don't have the strength to field candidates nationwide, but he said that we will definitely field 'assassin nominations' in those two people's constituencies to defeat them, which means the Democratic Party is split into two, pro-Lee and anti-Lee."

The pro-Lee Jae-myung faction is showing signs of policy adjustments, such as avoiding discussions on prosecutorial non-indictment rights and delaying local relocations, in response to public discontent. Some criticize this as a desperate measure to avoid trials, while others suggest it could be a genuine change acknowledging policy errors. Song Kook-geon expressed a critical view, saying, "This is a momentary deception and a temporary measure due to falling approval ratings, not a decisive countermeasure."

There are rumors that Rep. Park Joon-taek, a lawyer from the Daejang-dong case, is being considered for Minister of Justice. Although Rep. Park himself denied having received any contact, some speculate that he has private aspirations for the ministerial position. Song Kook-geon expressed doubt about the controversy, stating, "Park Joon-taek, those Daejang-dong lawyers are now being mentioned as candidates for Minister of Justice. That's ridiculous."

In a message sent to the People Power Party workshop, former President Park Geun-hye once again called for unity centered on the party leadership. She particularly emphasized 'Musinbulrip' (信無不立), meaning 'nothing can be established without trust,' highlighting the importance of internal party cohesion and restoring public trust. This is interpreted as an exhortation to lay the groundwork for victory in the upcoming general and presidential elections. Kim Ki-heung summarized former President Park's message, saying, "She told them to unite around the party leadership. Yes, and she spoke of 'Musinbulrip.' Trust. She meant trust is important."

The appointment of Kim Min-seok as a new special advisor has sparked criticism, bringing renewed attention to his past relationship with former Korea Sports Council Vice President Kang Shin-sung. Allegations have resurfaced that Kang Shin-sung lent Kim Min-seok 200 million won for a security deposit before his studies in the US and paid him 4.5 million won monthly through private loans from October 2005 until his return in July 2007, raising questions about violations of political funds laws. Kim Ki-heung mentioned specific details, stating, "Kang Shin-sung gave Kim Min-seok 200 million won for a security deposit when he went to the US. He lent it to him. And Kang Shin-sung invested that money in private loans and paid Kim Min-seok 4.5 million won per month from October 2005 until his return in July 2007." He labeled Kang Shin-sung an 'eternal sponsor' and even raised the possibility of a nomination.

According to a JoongAng Ilbo survey, five out of six Democratic Party Legal Affairs Committee members, with the exception of Rep. Park Kyun-taek, opposed including the power of prosecutorial non-indictment in the special prosecutor law. This can be interpreted as a move to avoid suspicion that the special prosecutor is being pursued for the purpose of defending Representative Lee Jae-myung in court. Disagreements are emerging within the Democratic Party regarding the promotion of a special prosecutor with prosecutorial non-indictment power, which is expected to affect the future process of passing the special prosecutor law. Kim Ki-heung revealed the survey results, saying, "When asked if the power of prosecutorial non-indictment should be included in the special prosecutor's scope, only one person, Park Kyun-taek, a Daejang-dong lawyer, said yes, it's necessary. The other five said no, the power should not be included."

Counterarguments have been raised against Minister Jeong Dong-young's statement that North Korea's nuclear capability has increased 100,000-fold in 32 years compared to 1992, citing a lack of scientific basis. Multiplying the initial IAEA declared amount of 90g by 100,000 results in 9 tons, while the US estimates North Korea's nuclear weapons at 57 (approximately 200-300kg). This statement is being criticized as an exaggerated claim disconnected from reality. A broadcaster quoted Minister Jeong Dong-young's remarks, saying, "In 1992, in 32 years, it increased 100,000-fold. North Korea's nuclear capability increased 100,000-fold in 30 years," igniting the controversy.

An analysis suggests that Representative Lee Jae-myung employs a meticulous strategy of having Jeong Dong-young first deliver sensitive messages regarding North Korea, then observing public reaction and adjusting the pace. This connects to criticism that Representative Lee Jae-myung is pursuing a subservient North Korea policy due to the risks associated with remittances to North Korea. A broadcaster evaluated Representative Lee Jae-myung's strategy, stating, "What's scary and meticulous about Lee Jae-myung is that he has Jeong Dong-young say what he wants to say."

Companies aim to autonomously decide on semiconductor factory sites, considering various conditions such as power, water, the 'Soo-Bu-Jang' (materials, components, and equipment) ecosystem, workforce, and land. However, criticism has been raised that the government is forcing Gwangju to be chosen based on political logic. A panelist criticized, "Companies didn't choose the location for power, water, the Soo-Bu-Jang ecosystem, workforce, and land themselves, but the government picked Gwangju, didn't they?" arguing that this situation deviates from the domestic reality when compared to TSMC's Kumamoto case.

Criticism has been raised that the 52-hour workweek acts as a regulation hindering focused work in the semiconductor R&D sector. Specifically, it is argued that preventing researchers dedicated to R&D from working more than 52 hours leads to a decline in competitiveness. This rigidity of the domestic system is highlighted when compared to major overseas countries, such as China's '996' (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week), Japan's expanded overtime, and the US's lack of work hour restrictions. A panelist pointed out, "From the perspective of people doing R&D, you shouldn't prevent them from working more than 52 hours."

Criticism has been raised that the government's fiscal policy is contradictory, as it simultaneously loosens money on one hand and absorbs it by raising interest rates on the other. A panelist argued that such policies are merely for maintaining approval ratings through politically motivated expansionary fiscal policies, without considering economic efficiency. This point also connects to criticism of Representative Lee Jae-myung's fiscal policy.

Criticism continues against Representative Lee Jae-myung's argument for an expansionary fiscal policy involving the annual issuance of 110 trillion won in government bonds, with the emergence of a new term, 'populist austerity.' With next year's budget expected to be 800 trillion won, and including future funds, reaching approximately 1,000 trillion won, such an expansionary fiscal policy could pose a serious threat to national fiscal health. A panelist criticized Representative Lee Jae-myung's fiscal policy, stating, "Lee Jae-myung is issuing 110 trillion won in government bonds every year through an expansionary fiscal policy."

The broadcast host ended the show earlier than scheduled due to having to attend a police investigation. This was for an investigation into defamation charges related to a report concerning former Seongdong-gu Mayor Jeong Won-ho. The host directly stated, "I have to go to the police. I have to be investigated by the police."

According to a Korea Gallup poll, Representative Lee Jae-myung's approval rating recorded 42%, a 3 percentage point drop from the previous survey. In particular, negative public opinion exceeding 50% is expected to cause considerable repercussions in political circles due to the declining approval rating of Representative Lee Jae-myung. A panelist reported the survey results, saying, "In Korea Gallup, his approval rating also fell to 42%. It seems to have dropped by about 3% compared to the last survey."