{"id":2202367,"date":"2023-09-27T17:04:05","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T08:04:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202367"},"modified":"2023-09-28T18:57:51","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T09:57:51","slug":"south-korean-opposition-leaders-arrest-warrant-denial-reflects-fractured-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/09\/south-korean-opposition-leaders-arrest-warrant-denial-reflects-fractured-party\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korean opposition leader\u2019s arrest warrant denial reflects fractured party"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s political landscape is undergoing a notable shift, highlighted by the recent events enveloping the Democratic Party (DP). The Seoul Central District Court\u2019s decision to <\/span>reject an arrest warrant<\/span><\/a> for DP leader Lee Jae-myung, juxtaposed with the National Assembly\u2019s earlier move to <\/span>revoke his parliamentary immunity<\/span><\/a>, epitomizes the current political volatility.<\/span><\/p>\n As South Koreans process these contrasting actions by their judiciary and legislative branches, public opinion appears to be as multifaceted as the nation’s political landscape. A recent <\/span>Gallup Korea poll<\/span><\/a> reveals a country sharply divided over Lee\u2019s case, a sentiment influenced by deep-seated political, regional and generational undercurrents.<\/span><\/p>\n As the DP grapples with internal fractures and external perceptions, the ramifications for the DP\u2019s prospects in the upcoming April parliamentary election are profound.<\/span><\/p>\n PUBLIC OPINION DIVIDED<\/b><\/p>\n The Gallup Korea poll reveals that while 46% of respondents viewed the prosecution\u2019s request for Lee\u2019s arrest warrant as justified, 37% saw it as political oppression.<\/span><\/p>\n Regional sentiments on the investigation vary. While the consensus across many regions sees the investigation as fair, Jeolla province, a DP stronghold, stands out in its opposition. In Seoul, a significant 61% of respondents support the legitimacy of the investigation, contrasted by 27% opposing it.<\/span><\/p>\n Generational trends also spotlight a nuanced landscape of political opinions. Younger South Koreans, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, are more likely to support the DP, with 29% of those in their 20s and 32% of those in their 30s endorsing the party. In comparison, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) garners support from 19% of individuals in their 20s and 25% of those in their 30s.<\/span><\/p>\n However, the Gallup Korea poll highlights a noticeable gender-based difference in political preferences among individuals in their 20s and 30s. Specifically, 16.5% of men support the DP, while the figure rises to 37.5% among women. Conversely, 29% of men in this age bracket support the PPP, compared to 23% of women.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the partisan inclination, 42% of individuals in their 20s and 47% in their 30s consider the request for Lee\u2019s arrest warrant justified. The political perspective of this younger cohort has been deeply influenced by recent pivotal events: former President <\/span>Park Geun-hye<\/span><\/a>\u2019s impeachment, allegations of abuse of power surrounding former justice minister <\/span>Cho Kuk<\/span><\/a> and former Seoul Mayor <\/span>Park Won-soon<\/span><\/a>\u2019s suicide following sexual harassment allegations.<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, middle-aged Koreans, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, broadly approach the investigation into Lee with skepticism, a sentiment in line with their typical support for the DP. Many in their 40s were deeply affected by former President <\/span>Roh Moo-hyun<\/span><\/a>\u2019s suicide in 2009, for which they predominantly hold conservatives and the country\u2019s prosecutors responsible. Those in their 50s, influenced by <\/span>pro-democracy student movements<\/span><\/a> of the 1980s, maintain a solid anti-conservative bias.<\/span><\/p>\n In contrast, the senior cohort in their 60s and 70s appear more supportive of the investigation into Lee. Shaped by the aftermath of the Korean War and the rapid economic growth South Korea enjoyed under former South Korean leader <\/span>Park Chung-hee<\/span><\/a>, this group often views the DP with suspicion, given its more lenient stance toward the North and its center-left views.<\/span><\/p>\n As a result of this generational dynamic, an intriguing aspect of modern Korean politics is the alignment of the older generation\u2019s views with those of the youth, in contrast to the middle-aged bracket, a <\/span>pattern<\/span><\/a> evident in the last South Korean presidential election.<\/span><\/p>\n However, despite these nuanced perceptions, it\u2019s notable that Lee\u2019s recent hunger strike hasn\u2019t significantly altered party approval metrics, with experts suggesting that Lee\u2019s protest was more <\/span>self-serving<\/span><\/a> than other political figures of the past who also resorted to such strikes.<\/span><\/p>\n