People Power Party Urges Leader Jang to Resign

An internal faction of the People Power Party, consisting of legislators who served one or two terms known as "Alternative and Future," officially urged the departure of party head Jang Dong-hyeok on the 11th. Additionally, they requested that the recently named floor leader, Jeong Jeom-sig, hold a gathering of all members to address Jang's exit.

Lee Seong-kweon, a legislator from the People Power Party and head of "Alternative and Future," together with related legislators, convened a media briefing at the National Assembly Communications Center early that day. They remarked, "The People Power Party faced a severe loss in the June 3 local elections," further stating, "Chairman Jang's authority has crumbled, which is entirely due to the leadership of Jang Dong-hyeok." They added, "Conservatives consistently emphasize responsibility. If Chairman Jang genuinely identifies as a 'conservative,' he ought to resign right away."

The collective also rejected Jang's proposal for a "national election." "Alternatives and Future" showed support for the frustration of the 2030 generation regarding violations of voting rights due to systematic issues within the National Election Commission. Nevertheless, they emphasized, "We firmly disagree with holding a national election."

They stated, "It is inappropriate for a conservative party leader to associate citizens' efforts to ensure election integrity with 'election fraud conspiracy theories.' Leader Jang's independent choice to promote these ideas weakens and harms the party's democratic principles."

The group also called for holding a general assembly. Lee said, "The public is observing how the People Power Party will address public opinion and establish an equitable voting system concerning Leader Jang's future and voting rights." He appealed, "We urge Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sig to hold a general meeting to build agreement on these two matters."

Following the press briefing, elected official Kwon Young-jin spoke with journalists and stated, "We participated in the regional elections under a leadership that lost public confidence, following a route that did not connect with voters and ultimately encountered their disapproval." He further remarked, "Claiming victory in the election is profoundly incorrect."

He added, "If Leader Jang keeps following this course, the party will face criticism for being an organization that, even after electoral defeats, denies its shortcomings, holds onto 'voting irregularity conspiracy narratives,' and aims for political endurance." He ended with, "Resolving issues related to voting rights violations can be handled by the National Assembly and the party independently of Leader Jang."

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Democratic Party infighting: Song Young-gil urges unity

Under continuous scrutiny from supporters of Cheong regarding Democratic Party of Korea Representative Song Young-gil's support for Kim Kwan-young, an independent contender in the June 3 local election race for governor of North Jeollanam-do, Song remarked on the 11th, "We should prioritize unity rather than discord."

Previously, on the 30th day of the previous month, Song stated during a YouTube stream, "It's inconsistent for the Democratic Party to remove Kim Kwan-young and concentrate their efforts on North Jeolla," noting, "As Kim was also selected by President Lee Jae Myung, this choice should be made based on the opinions of local voters." This occurred as Kim, who had contested the party's move to banish him and subsequently campaigned independently, competed against the Democratic Party's candidate Lee Won-taek.

As a reply, Lee Sung-yoon, a member of the Pro-Cheong Faction's Supreme Council, shared on Facebook on the 7th, "Are you attempting to weaken the party's leadership?" and expressed criticism, saying, "The statements and behavior of former Representative Song are reckless and represent significant damage to the party." The next day, Representative Yoon Joon-byeong remarked, "Song Young-gil, who publicly backed the independent candidate Kim Kwan-young and engaged in acts of disloyalty—shouldn’t he be considered responsible?" and continued, "It feels awkward just to think of him as a possible leader within the Democratic Party."

Lee Won-taek, who won against Kim in the election, shared on Facebook the day before, "Song Young-gil's actions detrimental to the party should face disciplinary measures." The newly elected representative stated, "Song's comments violated those within the party who tirelessly fought to safeguard Democratic Party candidates throughout North Jeolla, constituting an intolerable breach of loyalty."

The song didn't explicitly respond to these critiques. Rather, he shared a post on Facebook on the 11th, mentioning an interview with President Lee Jae Myung featured in *The Economist* the day before. The piece stated, "Since the country became democratic, over half of South Korea's presidents have faced impeachment or imprisonment," and also mentioned, "President Lee admitted that the chance of him falling into this harmful pattern is 'very likely.'"

Song said, "I was shocked when the president talked about the history of impeachment and detention of previous presidents and acknowledged, 'There's a good chance I could become a victim.'” He added, "My recollection of saying goodbye to President Roh Moo-hyun in May 2009 remains clear," and questioned, "What have we understood, what should we remain cautious about, and what do we need to safeguard amidst this sorrow?"

Song stated, "We've already experienced the painful reality of how severe the divisions within the Democratic Party can become." He further noted, "These splits haven't strengthened us; too much harsh critique and blame between each other, once they go beyond bounds, eventually block progress towards bigger objectives."

Song stated, "People who look in the same direction don’t have to blind each other," and emphasized, "We should prioritize the common good rather than feelings, embrace inclusivity instead of separation, and promote solidarity over conflict." He ended with, "Let’s support the Lee Jae Myung administration using the strength of unity and strive to improve citizens' lives."

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Leadership Clash: PPF Council Members Divided Over Resignation

Woo Jae-jun, a senior member of the People Power Party's Supreme Council, expressed during the party's recent Supreme Council meeting on the 11th, "I hope every one of our leaders steps down." This statement was met with a public rebuttal from fellow Supreme Council member Cho Kwang-han, who criticized, "That's childish rhetoric," leading to an intense debate. Although Jeong Jeom-sig, the newly appointed floor leader, called for cohesion in his inaugural speech at the Supreme Council—"There's no time to focus on groups or splits; we must come together"—the ongoing turmoil within the party continued to be evident.

During the morning session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Woo mentioned the outcomes of the local elections, suggesting, "I think our leaders should create opportunities for future generations." He also noted, "Many within the party back People Power Party head Jang Dong-hyeok," yet emphasized, "In that case, we ought to organize an additional nationwide conference. Allow them to compete once more through a new vote and undergo fresh assessment. This would enable those who feel discontented to acknowledge the result, allowing us to come together again."

After taking the microphone, Cho commented, "Making childish statements publicly indicates considerable political naivety." Woo responded, "Inexperienced?" and Cho reiterated, "We can talk about this privately later."

Leader of the People Power Party, Jang Dong-hyeok, spoke at the meeting afterward, saying, "The leadership chosen by members is consistently prepared to take the most effective actions for the party," yet he also mentioned, "Prior to asking the leadership to make decisions, the 110 legislators should first address the problem with insufficient ballots." This essentially rejected the call for resignation, pointing to the continuing emergency.

Kim Min-su, a member of the Supreme Council, made an indirect comment: "Some individuals do not participate in secret meetings yet focus more on their own groups. I hope the leadership acts in the interest of all members."

The new floor leader, Jeong, emphasized solidarity during his first address at the central committee meeting: "This is the moment to come together exclusively for the party, the country, and the citizens. There is no space for factionalism or splits. I will take the initiative toward a united and revitalized People Power Party."

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Lee's Approval Plummets 9% as Democrats Lead with 41%

According to a standard poll conducted by research companies Embrain Public, Kstat Research, Korea Research International, and Hankook Research, the support levels for President Lee Jae Myung and the Korean Democratic Party dropped by 9 percentage points (p) and 4 percentage points (p), respectively, when compared with data from three weeks prior.

As per the findings of the "National Index Survey (NBS)" carried out by four companies between the 8th and 10th of last month and published on the 11th, 57% of participants gave a favorable assessment of President Lee Jae Myung’s leadership, reflecting a drop of 9 percentage points compared to the 66% noted three weeks earlier. The share of those providing an unfavorable evaluation rose to 33%, marking an increase of 9 percentage points.

Regionally, President Lee had the highest approval score of 80% in the Honam area, then Incheon and Gyeonggi with 59%. Next came the Chungcheong region at 56%, followed by Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do with 55%, as well as Gangwon and Jeju also at 55%. Seoul saw an approval rate of 53%. The lowest level was registered in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do with 45%. Over the past three weeks, the ratings have decreased by 19 percentage points in the Chungcheong region, 11 percentage points in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 10 percentage points in Seoul, 10 percentage points in the Honam region, 10 percentage points in Gangwon and Jeju, 9 percentage points in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do, and 4 percentage points in Incheon and Gyeonggi.

According to different age categories, President Lee received an approval score of 75% from individuals in their 40s and 50s, whereas this figure stood at 51% for people in their 60s. Nevertheless, the support level dipped under 50% across all other age brackets: 48% for those over 70 years old, 48% for those in their 30s, and 41% for those between 18 and 29 years old. In comparison with data from three weeks prior, the ratings declined by 17 percentage points among those in their 60s, 13 percentage points among those in their 30s, 8 percentage points among young adults aged 18-29, 7 percentage points for seniors 70 and older, 5 percentage points for those in their 40s, and 3 percentage points for those in their 50s.

In terms of political ideology, 91% of liberals backed President Lee, whereas 56% of centrists and 28% of conservatives did so. This marks a decrease of 11 percentage points among conservatives, 10 percentage points among centrists, and 3 percentage points among liberals when contrasted with three weeks prior.

According to the party preference poll, the Democratic Party received the most backing with 41%, reflecting a decrease of 4 percentage points compared to 45% observed three weeks prior. Meanwhile, the People Power Party saw an increase from 20% to 25%, marking a growth of 5 percentage points. Next came the Reform Party with 3%, the Rebuilding Korea Party at 2%, the Progressive Party also at 2%, and various smaller parties collectively accounting for 2%. Those who indicated they do not back any political group made up 23%, whereas 1% either said "I don't know" or remained silent.

Regionally, the Democratic Party had an approval rate of 62% in the Honam area, 48% in Incheon and Gyeonggi, and 47% in Gangwon and Jeju. The figure reached 40% in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam Province, 36% in the Chungcheong region, 30% in Seoul, and 24% in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk Province. Over the past three weeks, the rating dropped by 12 percentage points in the Chungcheong region, 11 percentage points in Seoul, 8 percentage points in the Honam area, 7 percentage points in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk Province, and 2 percentage points in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam Province. Conversely, it rose by 4 percentage points in Incheon and Gyeonggi and by 2 percentage points in Gangwon and Jeju.

The People Power Party had an approval rate of 42% in Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk Province, 33% in the Chungcheong area, 32% in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam Province, and 31% in Seoul. The figure reached 19% in Incheon and Gyeonggi, 17% in Gangwon and Jeju, and just 5% in the Honam region. Over the past three weeks, the score rose by 13 percentage points in Seoul, 11 percentage points in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam Province, and 6 percentage points in the Chungcheong region.

Among individuals in their 50s, the Democratic Party had more than 50% backing (59%), while those in their 40s supported the party at 57%. This was followed by 37% from people in their 60s, 33% from those who were 70 years old or older, 29% from those in their 30s, and 27% from those in their teens and twenties. In comparison to three weeks prior, support dropped by 12 percentage points for those in their 60s and by 4 percentage points for those in their 50s.

The People Power Party received 38% of votes from individuals aged 70 and older, 34% from those in their 60s, 28% from people in their 30s, 19% from those in their 40s, 19% from those in their teens and early 20s, and 16% from those in their 50s. Over the past three weeks, support rose by 12 percentage points among those in their 30s, 11 percentage points among those in their 60s, and 6 percentage points among those in their 40s.

Within progressive groups, 77% backed the Democratic Party, whereas 55% of conservatives favored the People Power Party. For moderates, 36% supported the Democratic Party and 22% aligned with the People Power Party.

When questioned about their opinions on the outcomes of the June 3 local elections, 45% of participants stated that "the opposition, such as the People Power Party, exceeded expectations." Thirty-one percent mentioned that "the governing party, like the Democratic Party, outperformed predictions." Twenty-four percent either replied with "I'm unsure" or failed to provide an answer.

Concerning an investigation by parliament into the lack of voting ballots during the municipal elections, 85% of those surveyed stated it was "essential."

A national index survey was carried out through phone calls made using mobile devices to 1,001 people who were 18 years old or older across the country between the 8th and 10th of last month. The participation rate stood at 26.0 percent, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence interval. To learn further information, kindly visit the official site of the National Election Survey Review Committee.

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