{"id":2202928,"date":"2023-11-30T17:25:52","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T08:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202928"},"modified":"2023-11-30T17:27:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T08:27:19","slug":"why-south-koreas-political-scene-is-ready-for-the-rise-of-a-new-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/why-south-koreas-political-scene-is-ready-for-the-rise-of-a-new-party\/","title":{"rendered":"Why South Korea\u2019s political scene is ready for the rise of a new party"},"content":{"rendered":"
Lee Jun-seok, the former leader of South Korea\u2019s ruling People Power Party (PPP), is now setting the stage for a new political venture. Distancing himself from the ruling party, Lee is looking to offer an alternative for South Korean voters. His prominence in the political discourse is evident: <\/span>recent analysis<\/span><\/a> shows mentions of Lee in the South Korean news media over the last month surpass other political figures, including President Yoon Suk-yeol and Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung.<\/span><\/p>\n The two major parties\u2019 <\/span>perenially low approval rates<\/span><\/a> appear to have created an opportunity for an alternative political party. Lee\u2019s controversial reputation notwithstanding, his initiative to launch a new party could significantly impact the dynamics of next year\u2019s general elections.<\/span><\/p>\n POLITICAL ASCENT AND CHALLENGES<\/b><\/p>\n In 2021, Lee Jun-seok made headlines by becoming <\/span>the youngest leader<\/span><\/a> of a major South Korean political party at age 36. His rise, largely supported by young male voters, signaled a potential shift for the center-right party, especially following its previous setbacks in the 2020 general elections.<\/span><\/p>\n Lee\u2019s agenda aimed at revitalizing the party with a new conservative approach. However, his plans encountered hurdles with the nomination of Yoon Suk-yeol as the PPP\u2019s presidential candidate for 2022. Despite initial tensions, Lee played a <\/span>crucial role<\/span><\/a> in consolidating the male youth vote, contributing significantly to Yoon\u2019s victory.<\/span><\/p>\n Post-election, Lee\u2019s focus shifted toward party reform, but this quickly led to conflicts with Yoon and senior party members. Mere months after the presidential election, Lee was ousted from his leadership position amid allegations of sexual misconduct dating back nine years. Police subsequently <\/span>dropped their investigation<\/span><\/a> into these allegations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remaining a prominent figure, Lee has since positioned himself as an outspoken critic of Yoon and the PPP. With little indication of the party reforming, Lee is now channeling public discontent with the current state of South Korean politics, aiming to establish his own political party.<\/span><\/p>\n NAVIGATING POLITICAL DISCONTENT<\/b><\/p>\n The current political landscape offers Lee Jun-seok a significant opening. Public dissatisfaction with South Korea\u2019s two major parties is evident, as reflected in recent opinion polls indicating that up to a third of voters do not support any political party.<\/span><\/p>\n Yoon\u2019s shift to more <\/span>hardline right-wing policies<\/span><\/a> and his administration\u2019s perceived missteps have alienated moderate conservatives. Similarly, the DP has lost traction among moderate liberals due to party leader <\/span>Lee Jae-myung<\/span><\/a>\u2019s ongoing legal controversies and allegations of corruption.<\/span><\/p>\n Lee Jun-seok\u2019s strategy involves capturing the center of the political spectrum, targeting disillusioned voters from both the center-right and center-left. He particularly appeals to <\/span>young male voters<\/span><\/a>, who have grown disenchanted with Yoon, feeling that their concerns and interests have been neglected.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition, Lee\u2019s approach to party-building includes reaching out to other politicians <\/span>marginalized within their own parties<\/span><\/a>. These individuals, often labeled anti-establishment in their respective camps, seek new affiliations. Yoo Seong-min, a former presidential contender and mentor to Lee, is <\/span>reported<\/span><\/a> to be among those considering such a shift.<\/span><\/p>\n Lee\u2019s high public profile, bolstered by his Harvard education and media presence, distinguishes him from leaders of other recently formed parties. His readiness to engage with the media and notable recognition in political circles further enhance his visibility and potential appeal as the head of a new political party.<\/span><\/p>\n