People Power Party's Call for Veterans Not to Run, Democratic Party's Kim Min-seok Leadership Reshuffle, Chinese Hanfu Controversy at Gyeongbokgung

The People Power Party strongly criticized the Democratic Party's push to impeach Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su, labeling it an 'attempt to seize the judiciary.' It pointed out that the opposition party's attempt to impeach the Chief Justice over unfavorable court rulings violates the principle of separation of powers and undermines judicial independence. The PPP also expressed concern, interpreting the Democratic Party's intention to increase the number of Supreme Court justices as part of its plan to control the judiciary.

The People Power Party criticized the Democratic Party's plan to increase the number of Supreme Court justices from the current 14 to 26. It was pointed out that if this plan were to materialize, current President Lee Jae-myung could appoint as many as 22 Supreme Court justices during his term, effectively giving the president excessive control over the judiciary. This was interpreted as an underlying intention to restructure judicial power, hidden behind the pretext of increasing the number of Supreme Court justices.

Jang Dong-hyuk, a leader of the People Power Party, publicly urged veteran lawmakers who do not fight for the party but only focus on attacking the party leadership to not run in the next general election, for the sake of party innovation and victory. He criticized some veteran lawmakers for being preoccupied with internal party issues or criticizing the current leadership, while being passive in fighting against the ruling party. In response, some veteran lawmakers, including Representative Kwon Young-se, expressed their discomfort and opposition.

The People Power Party raised controversy over some veteran lawmakers secretly holding a golf meeting without communicating with the party leadership during a critical period when party approval ratings were being reversed. This was contrasted with President Lee Jae-myung's golf outing, drawing criticism that veteran members who should be fighting for the party were ignoring reality. Furthermore, suspicions arose that they secretly pushed for constitutional amendment discussions with the President, with criticism continuing that they showed behavior contrary to the party leadership's fight during a party crisis.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk emphasized that to win next year's general election, a personnel overhaul must prioritize individuals who actively fight for the party. He directly demanded that veteran lawmakers who do not fight 'take off their badges' and mentioned figures such as Ahn Cheol-soo, Na Kyung-won, and Cho Bae-sook, who are strong in fighting the opposition. These remarks are interpreted as a powerful message to enhance the party's overall fighting power and reform spirit.

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok pushed ahead with personnel appointments, naming Representatives Jeon Yong-gi and Kwon Mi-kyung as nominated supreme council members. This reversed the previous 2-3 composition of the supreme council to 4-3, establishing a pro-Lee Jae-myung centered leadership. This appointment is interpreted as Kim Min-seok's intent to further solidify the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction's dominance within the party.

Senior Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee proposed electing a youth supreme council member through a primary instead of appointment, but Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok immediately rejected it and pushed ahead with the appointments. Kim Min-seok's decision drew criticism for prioritizing a pro-Lee Jae-myung centered leadership over democratic party procedures, despite low Democratic Party support among those in their 20s and 30s (10-20%). This is interpreted as a virtual rejection of Senior Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee's request.

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok's insistence on appointing supreme council members is interpreted as a strong will to maintain the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction's dominance. His flat rejection of Senior Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee's call for a primary is seen as a backlash against Choi's checks and a clear signal not to be pushed around by the pro-Lee Jae-myung faction from the start. The appointments of Representatives Jeon Yong-gi and Kwon Mi-kyung confirmed the establishment of a pro-Lee Jae-myung centered leadership.

Criticism has arisen against the Democratic Party's move to develop Yongsan Park under the pretext of solving the apartment supply shortage, calling it an act that damages the legacy of former President Roh Moo-hyun. President Roh Moo-hyun, through the 'Yongsan Park Creation Special Act,' had prohibited the development of Yongsan Park for other purposes, but now the current Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party are being criticized for attempting to overturn this. This is compared to Kim Min-seok's past history of joining the Chung Mong-joon campaign and is criticized as an act of abandoning political trust and principles.

The sight of Chinese YouTubers and influencers wearing 'Hanfu,' traditional Chinese clothing, openly at Gyeongbokgung Palace has sparked controversy. This is interpreted as an attempt to claim Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, as part of Chinese culture, leading to criticism that the government is taking a passive stance on such actions. Experts emphasize that such actions could lead to the infringement of Korean culture and require a strong response.

It has been pointed out that China's method of stealing K-Culture, which is spreading globally, is to take the easy route of disguising Korean content as their own, rather than creating new domestic content. China shows limitations in producing original content due to a lack of creativity and spontaneity, and propaganda films led by the Communist Party are shunned in the global market. Consequently, it is analyzed that they are employing a strategy of packaging already successful Korean content as their own culture, making it appear as if it was originally theirs.

The problem of Chinese nationals illegally collecting cicada larvae in Hangang Park has reached a serious level. Since cicada larvae are consumed as a luxury ingredient in China, many Chinese nationals are reportedly flocking to Hangang riverside parks to catch them. As a result, despite banners prohibiting collection and capture being installed in Hangang Park, illegal activities continue unabated, and similar cases are reported in other countries such as Japan.

Concerns are growing over espionage activities by Chinese nationals in Korea. Cases of national security threats, such as a former People's Liberation Army officer near an air force base filming and wiretapping aircraft takeoffs and landings, have occurred. However, the current legal system makes it difficult to prosecute them for espionage, with cases often being handled as mere obstruction of business. This has heightened public anxiety, and there is a strong call for stronger penalties based on the principle of reciprocity.

Cases of damage to national heritage sites, such as Jeju's Yongduam Rock, by Chinese nationals have occurred. It is reported that Chinese nationals, due to their fondness for 'dragons,' are frequently caught trying to break off pieces of Yongduam Rock. This not only destroys the natural ecosystem but also demonstrates foreigners disregarding local laws. There are growing calls to thoroughly re-evaluate the visa-free entry system and urgently establish strong measures to protect national heritage.

Based on the statistical reality that Chinese nationals account for the largest proportion of foreign crimes, the argument has been made for strengthening visa issuance screening for Chinese nationals. Even if the Lee Jae-myung administration is considered friendly to China, it is necessary to make appropriate adjustments as the public is suffering damage and inconvenience. In particular, as many Chinese nationals enter Korea to engage in industrial espionage or military intelligence theft and other illegal activities, it was emphasized that laws should be amended and penalties for technology theft and illegal activities should be strengthened based on the principle of reciprocity.