{"id":2208094,"date":"2025-01-24T15:39:21","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T06:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2208094"},"modified":"2025-01-24T15:39:21","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T06:39:21","slug":"lee-jae-myung-pivots-to-pragmatism-as-he-eyes-south-koreas-presidency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2025\/01\/lee-jae-myung-pivots-to-pragmatism-as-he-eyes-south-koreas-presidency\/","title":{"rendered":"Lee Jae-myung pivots to pragmatism as he eyes South Korea\u2019s presidency"},"content":{"rendered":"
Lee Jae-myung is betting that pragmatism will solidify his approval ratings and help him maintain his lead as South Korea\u2019s top presidential contender.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In a carefully calibrated <\/span>speech<\/span><\/a> on Thursday, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader declared a pivot to the center, abandoning ideological rigidity in favor of what he called \u201cpractical realism.\u201d He notably laid out a vision of private-sector-led economic growth and international cooperation \u2014 an uncharacteristic move for a progressive politician.<\/span><\/p>\n Lee\u2019s pivot comes at a precarious moment. Public support for a new government is <\/span>surging<\/span><\/a> amid President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s impeachment trial, while the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is <\/span>gaining momentum<\/span><\/a> in polls.<\/span><\/p>\n For Lee, this strategy could broaden his appeal among moderates and investors wary of his past rhetoric.<\/span><\/p>\n A NATION IN FLUX<\/b><\/p>\n Yoon\u2019s impeachment and arrest over his brief martial law declaration have created a leadership vacuum, deepened political polarization and sparked violent protests. Public opinion is firmly against the president, with 57 to 59% supporting his impeachment, according to recent surveys.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the majority of the public supporting Yoon\u2019s removal from office, competition between the PPP and the DP is tightening. Surveys show the two parties neck and neck, with the PPP polling at 35 to 38% and the DP at 36 to 40%.<\/span><\/p>\n However, Lee remains the frontrunner. Polls consistently place him ahead as the preferred presidential candidate, with favorability ratings between 28 to 34%. However, his unfavorability remains high, too, which he <\/span>acknowledged<\/span><\/a> during Wednesday\u2019s press conference.<\/span><\/p>\n His latest speech signals a strategic shift to consolidate his position as a unifying figure and capitalize on public discontent with Yoon and the PPP.<\/span><\/p>\n