{"id":2203688,"date":"2024-01-31T19:37:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T10:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203688"},"modified":"2024-03-01T15:08:12","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T06:08:12","slug":"why-new-political-parties-are-emerging-ahead-of-south-koreas-general-elections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/why-new-political-parties-are-emerging-ahead-of-south-koreas-general-elections\/","title":{"rendered":"Why new political parties are emerging ahead of South Korea\u2019s general elections"},"content":{"rendered":"

As South Korea gears up for its parliamentary elections on April 10, the political scene is marked by an increase in new parties and ongoing debates about the electoral system, potentially impacting the country\u2019s internal governance and its role in global affairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, former ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader Lee Jun-seok and former main opposition Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja <\/span>agreed to merge<\/span><\/a> their respective parties. Then, in mid-January, a group of DP lawmakers and mayors <\/span>defected from the party<\/span><\/a> to join a new party that former DP leader Lee Nak-yon <\/span>announced<\/span><\/a> he would launch ahead of the general elections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Further, the PPP <\/span>initiated procedures<\/span><\/a> for the creation of satellite parties as the DP continues to be plagued by indecision over the distribution of proportional representatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

While South Korean party politics has always been volatile, political fragmentation appears to have reached uncharted territory at a time of national security and economic precariousness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

LIPSTICK ON A PIG<\/b><\/p>\n

South Korea\u2019s last parliamentary elections in April 2020 marked the first time that a mixed-member proportional representation (MMPR) system was used. In this election, out of the 300 seats in the National Assembly, 253 were filled through first-past-the-post constituencies and the remaining 47 were allocated based on proportional party lists.<\/span><\/p>\n

The transition from a mixed-member majoritarian system to MMPR was fast-tracked by the DP, with support from minor opposition party lawmakers. Although this move led to <\/span>violent confrontations<\/span><\/a> in parliament, the bill passed in Dec. 2019 and aimed to create a more equitable representation system, particularly for smaller parties through the introduction of compensation seats within the proportional representation tier.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, that aim faced a significant setback when the conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP), the main opposition party at the time, <\/span>established a satellite party<\/span><\/a> named the Future Korea Party (FKP). This party was specifically designed to garner proportional votes, a strategy that circumvented the spirit of the new system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although the DP initially condemned this tactic \u2014 even referring to the FKP as a \u201c<\/span>trash<\/span><\/a>\u201d party \u2014 it eventually <\/span>adopted a similar approach<\/span><\/a> by forming its own satellite party, the Together Citizens\u2019 Party (TCP).<\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, the two major parties \u2014 the DP and the LKP (which had rebranded itself as the United Future Party by this time) \u2014 competed in the single-member districts, leaving their respective satellite parties (the TCP and FKP) to contest the proportional seats.<\/span><\/p>\n

This strategy led to the satellite parties winning 36 of the 47 proportional representative seats, thereby reinforcing the dominance of the two major parties in the National Assembly and effectively <\/span>counteracting the new electoral system\u2019s goal<\/span><\/a> of enhancing representation for smaller, more independent parties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok campaigns for then-presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol at Jeonbuk National University, March 8, 2022 | Image: People Power Party<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

DISCORD AND FRAGMENTATION<\/b><\/p>\n

The creation of satellite parties in 2020 was a strategic, albeit cynical, move by the two major parties to maximize their seats in the National Assembly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2024, however, the emergence of new political parties reflects genuine internal fragmentation and the inability of the major parties to maintain cohesion among their ranks.<\/span><\/p>\n

The DP currently grapples with <\/span>indecision<\/span><\/a> regarding the electoral system. While some within the party argue that a parallel system would secure more seats, doing so would also contradict DP leader Lee Jae-myung\u2019s pledge to maintain the MMPR system.<\/span><\/p>\n

This indecisiveness is partly fueled by debates and <\/span>dissatisfaction<\/span><\/a> within the DP related to Lee\u2019s leadership. Lee, embroiled in <\/span>multiple corruption allegations<\/span><\/a> and prosecutorial inquiries, has faced <\/span>criticism<\/span><\/a> from those who have defected for purportedly reshaping the DP to suit his personal ambitions over the interests of the party.<\/span><\/p>\n

These defections have weakened DP unity in public, and likely far more so behind closed doors.<\/span><\/p>\n

The PPP is also experiencing internal discord. Lee Jun-seok\u2019s establishment of the New Reform Party indicates a deep-seated dissatisfaction among some conservative voters toward President Yoon Suk-yeol.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lee\u2019s move to <\/span>propose mandatory military service for women<\/span><\/a> seeking civil service positions is likely a tactical bid to appeal to young male voters \u2014 a strategy that mirrors his <\/span>earlier efforts<\/span><\/a> that helped Yoon clinch the 2022 presidential election. The party\u2019s ability to attract <\/span>40,000 new members<\/span><\/a> suggests a potential realignment within the conservative voter base.<\/span><\/p>\n

These developments reflect a broader trend of fragmentation and realignment within South Korean politics. As a result, the 2024 parliamentary elections are poised to be a critical test of these new political realities and their long-term implications for South Korea\u2019s political stability and governance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Members of the minority opposition Justice Party hold a joint press conference to deliver their party platform after the 2020 parliamentary elections, May 31, 2020 | Image: Justice Party<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL FALLOUT<\/b><\/p>\n

The current political fragmentation and the emergence of new parties in South Korea present significant risks, domestically and internationally. The rise of these parties, driven by internal dissent within the two major parties, threatens to disrupt the traditional political equilibrium.<\/span><\/p>\n

With deep-seated dissatisfaction and <\/span>genuine feelings of betrayal<\/span><\/a> at their core, there is little to suggest that the splinter parties plan to return to their larger and more established counterparts post-election. Continued political fragmentation will, at least for the foreseeable future, potentially lead to legislative deadlock, impeding policy continuity and effective governance.<\/span><\/p>\n

As different political factions vie for influence, the potential for prolonged decision-making processes and an inability to pass critical legislation increases. Such scenarios could undermine the efficiency of the South Korean government, affecting public trust and confidence in the democratic process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Internationally, these domestic upheavals could have far-reaching effects on South Korea\u2019s foreign relations and policy. The ROK\u2019s approach to economic issues, such as the recently <\/span>proposed regulations<\/span><\/a> to curb the dominance of large online platform businesses will likely face gridlock which could cause friction between Seoul and Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n

These shifts could impact South Korea\u2019s commitments and its role in international organizations and multilateral forums, potentially weakening its global standing and influence.<\/span><\/p>\n

The post-election scenario in South Korea will likely be defined by a fragmented National Assembly, with a diverse representation of parties that could lead to a more <\/span>pluralistic<\/span><\/a> but also more contentious legislative environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of the upcoming parliamentary election\u2019s outcome, it remains to be seen if Yoon, whose public approval continues to languish at <\/span>31%<\/span><\/a>, will be able to overcome the country\u2019s fragmented political landscape to deliver cohesive economic policies and quickly respond to global commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by Alannah Hill<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Domestic Politics<\/span><\/a>Elections 2024<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As South Korea gears up for its parliamentary elections on April 10, the political scene is marked by an increase in new parties and ongoing debates about the electoral system, potentially impacting the country\u2019s internal governance and its role in global affairs. 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