Han Dong-hoon, the interim leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP), stated, “If we lose this general election, Yoon Suk-yeol’s government will end without ever fulfilling its promise. It will be a sin against history.” This sentiment likely resonates with many Koreans.
Every government must address the unique challenges of its era. It is about tackling the national challenges demanded by the times. For the Yoon administration, the imperative is clear: to implement pivotal reforms in labor, pensions, education, and regulation, thereby reinvigorating the nation’s economic dynamism. The threat of protracted economic stagnation looms large without these changes. Since assuming office, President Yoon has consistently advocated for such structural reforms. However, the main opposition, the Democratic Party, which dominates the National Assembly, has stonewalled these initiatives. “It’s hard to be a minority government,” Yoon remarked, highlighting that more seats are needed to push through these reforms.
As the general election approaches, doubts emerge about his will to secure the majority needed to enact these changes. The appointment of Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia, who is under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for alleged undue influence in a marine’s death case, has raised eyebrows. Despite the PPP’s advice against Lee’s departure abroad before the election, Yoon refused. Additionally, Yoon’s refusal to accept Hwang Sang-moo’s resignation—the senior presidential secretary for civil and social affairs who made a controversial comment—has puzzled even his aides and risks alienating voters. Some inside and outside the presidential office say that the more criticism Yoon receives from the media and public opinion, the more he seems to push ahead.
Jang Ye-chan, initially nominated by the PPP but later running independently after his nomination was rescinded due to past remarks, declared himself “President Yoon’s number one aide.” His independent candidacy, potentially splitting the ruling party’s vote, is rumored to have Yoon’s backing, a move that remains unaddressed by the presidential office.
The PPP’s choices for proportional representation have also been criticized for lacking a clear vision and failing to make a strong impression. Proportional representation should have a message to the people. However, fresh young people, entrepreneurs, and professionals with stories are rarely seen. No convincing rationale has been provided for nominating two unknown officials. Rumors abound that the two have personal ties to Han. Such decisions doubt the party’s commitment to winning public support and enacting reforms.
If the PPP fails in the general election, Yoon’s proposed reforms stall. The opposition parties, like the Democratic Party of Korea and the Korea Innovation Party, led by Cho Kuk, are already hinting at their victory, claiming the impeachment of Yoon and amending the constitution to shorten his term. The PPP seems resigned to this outcome, with political insiders forecasting a victory of 170 to 180 seats for these opposition parties. The PPP candidates in the capital are invoking memories of past electoral defeats. Many people are now questioning the president’s dedication to his reform agenda. What will Yoon and the PPP do for the next three years if they lose the election?
