{"id":2202748,"date":"2023-11-15T17:00:34","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T08:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202748"},"modified":"2023-11-16T17:04:16","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T08:04:16","slug":"south-koreas-pre-election-turmoil-ruling-party-grapples-with-policy-crises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/south-koreas-pre-election-turmoil-ruling-party-grapples-with-policy-crises\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s pre-election turmoil: Ruling party grapples with policy crises"},"content":{"rendered":"
With South Korea\u2019s 22nd National Assembly elections approaching in just five months, the political landscape is marked by uncertainty. The ruling People Power Party (PPP), along with the opposition Democratic Party (DP), are navigating a critical juncture as they struggle to formulate compelling campaign platforms that resonate with voters.<\/span><\/p>\n In a bid to regain its footing after a significant loss in the <\/span>Gangseo-gu by-election<\/span><\/a>, the PPP has proposed a <\/span>dramatic expansion of Seoul\u2019s borders<\/span><\/a>. This policy involves incorporating Gimpo, a city to the west, thereby increasing Seoul\u2019s land area by 45%. This is not unprecedented; Seoul has expanded its limits several times, with the last expansion in 1995.<\/span><\/p>\n However, public reception to this idea is largely negative. According to <\/span>Gallup Korea\u2019s<\/span><\/a> Nov. 10 polling, 55% of respondents disapprove of expanding Seoul, with only 24% in favor. This opposition spans various demographics, including regions traditionally supportive of the PPP, such as Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam, and across all age groups.<\/span><\/p>\n Notably, the proposal has lukewarm support even within the PPP\u2019s base: 41% approve, but 32% are opposed and 27% remain uncertain. This uncertainty, coupled with the proposal\u2019s rapid introduction and broad criticism, suggests a potential increase in opposition.<\/span><\/p>\n Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, a PPP member, has <\/span>expressed reservations<\/span><\/a>, advocating for a decision rooted in \u201cpublic consensus\u201d \u2014 a term often interpreted in Korean politics as signaling significant hesitation or indefinite postponement.<\/span><\/p>\n Further highlighting the challenge, the <\/span>National Barometer Survey<\/span><\/a> (NBS) reveals that 68% perceive the Seoul expansion proposal as a politically motivated election issue, with only 19% believing it would benefit the city.<\/span><\/p>\n This issue is just one aspect of the PPP\u2019s current struggles, as recent polls indicate. Gallup\u2019s data shows that 46% of respondents favor the DP for the upcoming National Assembly election, compared to 40% for the PPP. Although the gap has narrowed from a 50-36 split in April 2023, <\/span>NBS polling<\/span><\/a> suggests this shift should not be seen as a definitive trend toward optimism for the PPP.<\/span><\/p>\n DEMOCRATIC PARTY EDGE<\/b><\/p>\n In contrast to the PPP, the DP is perceived more favorably in terms of policy effectiveness. Public opinion reflects a preference for the DP\u2019s approach in various critical areas. Specifically, they are perceived to have more robust policies in handling relations with North Korea, implementing social welfare programs, managing epidemic prevention, boosting employment and addressing economic disparities.<\/span><\/p>\n In terms of social welfare and reducing economic polarization, the DP leads by an 11-point margin over the PPP. Its lead extends to employment and epidemic prevention policies, where it has a 6-point advantage. Even in managing North Korea-related policies, the DP holds a 3-point lead. These perceptions have remained relatively unchanged over the past year, indicating a persistent public sentiment.<\/span><\/p>\n However, the PPP has a stronghold in real estate policy. Currently, 36% of respondents favor the PPP\u2019s real estate policies over the 24% who prefer those of the DP, marking a 12-point advantage for the PPP. This lead, however, is not as robust as it once was, having decreased from an 18-point lead a year ago.<\/span><\/p>\n This diminishing gap in a key policy area indicates a shifting public opinion landscape, adding another layer of challenges to the PPP\u2019s strategy in the upcoming elections.<\/span><\/p>\n