People Power Party Approval Rating Reverses, DP Faces 'Self-Destruction' Controversy Amidst Lee Jun-seok's Leadership Crisis

A public opinion poll conducted immediately after the People Power Party's national convention confirmed that the party's approval rating had surpassed that of the Democratic Party. Notably, the poll showed a high support rate of 61% among the 2030 generation, indicating strong backing from younger demographics.

Party leader Lee Jun-seok decided to resign from his position due to accumulated issues, including the disastrous defeat in local elections and problems with the Busan mayoral candidate. These internal difficulties significantly impacted the party as a whole.

The presenter raised concerns about the reliability of existing Gallup and MBS public opinion poll methods, emphasizing that ARS (Automated Response System) polling more accurately reflects reality. The argument is that ARS surveys are not bound by specific political leanings and more directly reflect public opinion.

Former President Park Geun-hye is reportedly set to attend the People Power Party workshop. This is regarded as an unusual move for a former president and is drawing significant attention from within and outside political circles. Various analyses are emerging regarding the potential impact of Park's attendance on the People Power Party.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk made a strong statement targeting Lee Jae-myung, saying, "Either Lee Jae-myung changes, or we change Lee Jae-myung." This is interpreted as raising questions about Lee Jae-myung's political responsibility and expressing a desire for generational change. A hardline stance against Lee Jae-myung is spreading within the People Power Party.

Former leader Lee Jun-seok had devised a strategy to focus on the southern Gyeonggi region, particularly Dongtan, in the general election, but differences of opinion emerged within the Reform Party. Representative Cheon Ha-ram preferred running in Suncheon, and Representative Lee Ju-young in Songpa, indicating that each lawmaker's strategic judgment differed from Lee Jun-seok's intentions. This ultimately led to a situation where the party's internal operations did not align with Lee Jun-seok's vision.

It was pointed out that an atmosphere of disagreement with former leader Lee Jun-seok's proposals is spreading within the Reform Party. There was insufficient consensus among internal members regarding the issues Lee Jun-seok raised, which was interpreted as an example of the limitations of a party system reliant on a single star politician rather than a system.

Critical views were raised from within and outside the party that Lee Jun-seok was engaging in 'backseat politicking.' This situation was also mentioned as one of the reasons why Lee Jun-seok had to step down from the party leadership.

Ultimately, as Lee Jun-seok's influence weakened, internal party autonomy increased, but confusion regarding the party's strategic direction also deepened. This is expected to significantly affect the Reform Party's position in the upcoming general election.

Averaging seven public opinion polls, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung's positive evaluation recorded 39.3%, falling below the 40% mark. This means fewer than four out of ten citizens positively evaluate Lee Jae-myung's activities. It is analyzed that more than six out of ten citizens believe Lee Jae-myung is not performing well.

This decline indicates a deepening exodus of centrist voters. Lee Jae-myung's positive evaluation rate showed a declining trend across all regions and generations, with the exception of Honam. This suggests a widespread dissatisfaction with Lee Jae-myung's approach to state affairs.

Lee Jae-myung's positive evaluation was lowest in the Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungcheong regions. It is noteworthy that negative evaluations of Lee Jae-myung were high in the Chungcheong region, which traditionally has a strong centrist leaning. This is interpreted as an indicator that the centrist exodus has reached a serious level.

Lee Jae-myung's side issued its first official statement regarding the decline in public opinion poll ratings, stating, "We offer our deepest condolences to the public." This remark shows that the government acknowledges the current deterioration in public sentiment, and attention is focused on whether it will influence future policy directions.

An analysis of recent public opinion poll results shows that the People Power Party is being evaluated as a '2030 party,' recording high approval ratings of 60.9% among those in their 20s and 47.2% among those in their 30s. This demonstrates that the People Power Party is expanding its support base by securing the backing of younger generations.

This phenomenon suggests a shift in the political landscape, which was previously concentrated on specific generations. Political participation among younger demographics is becoming more active, and their support is having a decisive impact on the rise and fall of political parties.

Experts believe that the People Power Party's efforts to listen to and reflect the voices of younger generations in its policies are a major reason for the increase in its approval rating. This is expected to offer significant implications for future general election strategies.

A public opinion poll revealed that 56.6% of citizens oppose the construction of public rental housing within Yongsan Park, while only 36.3% support it. This public sentiment is fueling controversy over the government's plan to withdraw related projects in Yongsan Park. Public interest and disagreement over the development direction of Yongsan Park are sharply divided.

Civic groups and experts argue that a cautious approach, rather than rushed development, is needed, considering Yongsan Park's historical, cultural, and environmental value. In particular, questions are being raised about whether the construction of rental housing aligns with the park's original purpose.

The government states its intention to sufficiently gather public opinion and communicate while proceeding with the Yongsan Park development plan, but it is expected to face pressure to modify the plan due to high public opposition.

An analysis suggested that results' trends can vary depending on the public opinion survey method. ARS (Automated Response System) tends to capture public opinion trends more quickly than phone interview surveys, and the proportion of undecided voters (none/don't know) also plays a significant role in interpreting the results.

A resolution urging the expulsion of Representative Lee Jin-sook was passed by the National Assembly's plenary session, led by the Democratic Party. This has sparked significant controversy as it is a rare attempt in constitutional history to expel a fellow lawmaker.

The Democratic Party called for Lee Jin-sook's expulsion, citing her past actions and statements, aiming to continue its political offensive. However, criticism has also been raised against this hardline approach.

Some expressed concern that pushing for the expulsion of a fellow lawmaker could be perceived as political retaliation and deepen conflict within the National Assembly. Attention is focused on the impact of this resolution's passage on future political affairs.

Criticism has been raised that the Democratic Party's passing of a resolution urging the expulsion of Representative Lee Jin-sook might be akin to the DP pressing its 'self-destruct button.' Analysis suggests that this hardline response could elevate Lee Jin-sook's stature and approval ratings, alienating not only centrist voters but even the 4050 generation within the Democratic Party. Concerns are growing that this strategy by the Democratic Party will backfire both within and outside the party.

Former Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairperson Lee Jin-sook explained her past swearing controversy, stating that KCC employees at the time suffered severe stress, including receiving psychiatric treatment, due to pressure from National Assembly members. She witnessed an employee collapse and became so angry that it was an accidental reaction. This explanation was made in the context of criticizing the political circles' methods of demanding resignations and their resulting side effects.

Criticism has been raised regarding Representative Kim Min-seok's analogy of Representative Lee Jin-sook to 'Female Chun Doo-hwan.' While this remark appears intended to attack Lee Jin-sook, analysis suggests that the conservative camp might perceive it as praise, given the different perception of former President Chun Doo-hwan. It was pointed out that such inflammatory remarks would not help restore centrist approval ratings.

A political forecast suggests that the Democratic Party's approval rating will continue its current downward trend. Particularly, without a shift in major policy directions, such as real estate policy, a rebound in approval ratings is unlikely. The dominant opinion is that if the Democratic Party adheres to its current policy stance, it will be difficult to regain public support.

Furthermore, the current precarious security situation is also predicted to negatively impact the Democratic Party's approval rating. If the public's concerns about national security issues grow, and the Democratic Party's response is deemed inadequate, it could accelerate the decline in approval ratings.

Experts predict that there could be significant changes in the Democratic Party's approval rating before winter, and if there are no policy changes and clear statements on security issues, the number of citizens who positively evaluate Lee Jae-myung will continue to decrease.