Democrats' 'Insurrection Frame' Faces Risk of Backlash

Ice Factory said the Democratic Party is trying to pin an 'insurrection frame' on President Yoon Suk Yeol to gain political advantage. Casting Yoon as the instigator of an insurrection, in other words the 'ringleader,' appears to be the most important goal for the Democratic Party, and for Lee Jae-myung in particular.

The approach is analyzed as similar to past strategies that treated specific issues, such as the Sewol ferry disaster or the May 18 Gwangju uprising, as sacrosanct to build favorable public opinion, and that defended against conservative criticism by labeling it the work of 'insurrection criminals.'

Jo is described as a strong figure who does not bend easily.

As the insurrection-related trials appear increasingly likely to end in acquittals at the Supreme Court, the strategy of using the judiciary to sustain the frame is losing momentum.

Failures across governance, including diplomacy, the economy, security, and the judiciary, have fueled public distrust and are eroding the Democratic Party's position. Controversies over the electoral system and the Itaewon special prosecution have shaken the party's legitimacy, and Lee Jae-myung's falling approval rating highlights the party's limits. This reflects the public distrust that has followed failures across diplomacy, the economy, security, and the judiciary.

Doubts about the electoral system and allegations of bias in the Itaewon special prosecution have added to the pressure, accelerating what critics call the erosion of the party's legitimacy.

As the Democratic Party's approval rating slides, the insurrection frame it has relied on is losing its force. The judiciary has also begun to move in ways the party did not intend.

Public defections and internal power struggles have spread the party's strength thin, reducing the pressure the insurrection frame could exert on the courts.

Unresolved allegations remain, including those involving Andong National University and Ambassador Mostan. Rep. Kim Tae-gyo noted that amid a practical gap in governance, Lee has been focused on social media activity. He also demanded clear party positions on pressing issues such as relations with North Korea and the Jwire case. Questions persist about who is actually running affairs.

Public demand is growing for clear explanations on the Andong National University and Ambassador Mostan allegations raised by Rep. Kim Tae-gyu, as well as on North Korea relations and the Jwire case.

Insurrection charges carry the character of a do-or-die struggle over governing authority. If the frame collapses, it may not simply fall apart; it could be viewed as a political scheme to harm an opponent.

If the insurrection-charge frame collapses, citizens who come to understand what actually happened could direct a fierce backlash at the Democratic Party.

This political situation could give President Yoon and the People Power Party an opening to recover their approval ratings, narrowing the Democratic Party's room to maneuver.

A warning has been issued that when citizens realize they were deceived, enormous anger will erupt. Hardship from real-estate prices and the broader economic collapse affecting daily livelihoods could intensify that anger.

If citizens come to believe that 'the martial law was justified,' Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party could face political trials they would find hard to withstand, potentially leading to their downfall.