{"id":2208519,"date":"2025-02-26T12:36:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T03:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2208519"},"modified":"2025-02-26T12:36:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T03:36:19","slug":"lee-jae-myungs-political-gamble-rebranding-democratic-party-as-conservative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2025\/02\/lee-jae-myungs-political-gamble-rebranding-democratic-party-as-conservative\/","title":{"rendered":"Lee Jae-myung\u2019s political gamble: Rebranding Democratic Party as conservative"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lee Jae-myung has ignited a political firestorm by rebranding South Korea\u2019s Democratic Party (DP) as \u201ccentrist-conservative,\u201d a move that could either broaden his appeal or alienate his progressive base.<\/span><\/p>\n

His claim that this has long-been the stance of the party has triggered intense debate over the DP\u2019s ideological identity, with supporters calling it a strategic shift and critics accusing him of rewriting history. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) dismissed Lee\u2019s claim, questioning his integrity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The controversy spotlights broader shifts in South Korea\u2019s political spectrum as parties reposition themselves in an increasingly polarized landscape. Experts suggest Lee\u2019s move is a calculated effort to appeal to centrist voters, but whether his rebranding effort succeeds will depend on how the public perceives his policies rather than his rhetoric.<\/span><\/p>\n

DEFINING PARTY IDENTITY<\/b><\/p>\n

The DP, which holds 170 seats in the National Assembly, is now grappling with an identity crisis sparked by Lee\u2019s <\/span>assertion<\/span><\/a> that the party has always been \u201ca centrist-conservative party focused on growth.\u201d His claim, made on Feb. 19, represents a marked departure from the DP\u2019s long-standing association with progressive policies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lee <\/span>defended<\/span><\/a> his characterization by arguing that the DP has historically shifted its emphasis depending on the political climate. In his view, when progressive policies were needed, the party leaned left, but when conservative values were in demand, it leaned right. He also cited former presidents Kim Dae-jung and Moon Jae-in as evidence that the party has consistently balanced centrist and conservative tendencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, his remarks have met significant resistance within the DP. Former Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom called Lee\u2019s statement an \u201coverreach,\u201d arguing that a party\u2019s identity cannot be unilaterally changed. Former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo echoed this sentiment, warning that party identity must be rooted in historical continuity, not personal declarations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The PPP has also attacked Lee\u2019s claim, with floor leader Kwon Seong-dong highlighting Lee\u2019s past description of U.S. forces in South Korea as an \u201coccupation army\u201d and his opposition to the country\u2019s chaebol system as evidence that he is far from conservative.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, DP Supreme Council member Kim Min-seok <\/span>defended<\/span><\/a> Lee\u2019s remarks, asserting that the party has always incorporated moderate conservative elements. He <\/span>pointed<\/span><\/a> to the DP\u2019s emphasis on democracy, economic growth and security and peace as foundational values that align with a centrist-conservative stance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

From left: Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in during their terms in office | Image: ROK Presidential Archives, Moon Jae-in Blue House<\/a>, edited by Korea Pro<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

HISTORICAL ROOTS AND INTERPRETATION<\/b><\/p>\n

The debate over Lee\u2019s statement has prompted a reassessment of the DP\u2019s historical evolution. The party traces its origins to <\/span>1955<\/span><\/a>, when it was founded as an opposition force against Syngman Rhee\u2019s authoritarian rule. It briefly held power in 1960 following the April 19 Revolution, which led to Rhee\u2019s ouster, but was disbanded after Park Chung-hee\u2019s military coup in 1961.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the decades, the DP has undergone multiple transformations, but it has consistently positioned itself as the primary opposition to authoritarianism, challenging the autocratic rule of leaders such as Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan. This anti-authoritarian legacy has long been central to the party\u2019s identity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jung Sung-ho, a five-term DP lawmaker, defended Lee\u2019s assertions by <\/span>citing<\/span><\/a> historical figures such as independence leader Kim Gu and former President Kim Dae-jung, pointing to them as evidence that the DP has always contained centrist elements. However, Rhee Jong-hoon, a senior consultant at Politics and Business Consulting, argued that the DP has historically leaned center-left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUsing such historical examples to argue that the DP has always been centrist-conservative is misleading,\u201d Rhee told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>, adding that the real question is whether voters will perceive Lee\u2019s shift as genuine. He suggested that many centrist voters may remain skeptical.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jang Yong-geun, a constitutional law professor at Hongik University, also dismissed Lee\u2019s attempt to redefine the DP\u2019s past, noting that while Kim Gu\u2019s views allow him to be claimed by progressives and conservatives alike, \u201cKim Dae-jung was fundamentally a progressive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and the leaders of four minor opposition parties after forming a progressive coalition, Feb. 19, 2025 | Image: Yong Hye-in’s Naver Blog<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

A STRATEGIC POLITICAL MOVE<\/b><\/p>\n

Some analysts argue that Lee\u2019s self-branding as a centrist conservative is less about historical accuracy and more about electoral strategy. With polls indicating a closing gap between the DP and the PPP, Lee appears to be positioning himself as a moderate alternative to the ruling party.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gallup Korea\u2019s <\/span>latest poll<\/span><\/a> shows the DP at 40%, six percentage points ahead of the PPP, but public opinion is fluid as evidenced by the PPP leading by one point the <\/span>previous week<\/span><\/a>. Jang of Hongik University contended that the DP\u2019s current lead in the polls has less to do with Lee\u2019s ideological repositioning and more to do with dissatisfaction with the PPP.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that people suddenly believe Lee is conservative,\u201d Jang said. \u201cIt\u2019s that the PPP has failed to present a compelling alternative, focusing more on attacking the opposition than addressing voters\u2019 concerns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Notably, besides the fact that the majority of PPP lawmakers refused to vote to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol for his Dec. 3 martial law declaration, they have also <\/span>failed<\/span><\/a> to distance themselves from the president\u2019s unsubstantiated remarks about Chinese and North Korean operations having helped to rig last April\u2019s general election in the DP\u2019s favor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lee\u2019s political maneuvering is further reflected in the DP\u2019s recent <\/span>coalition-building efforts<\/span><\/a>. The party has formed an alliance with four minor opposition parties under the banner of the \u201cRoundtable for Ending Rebellion, Protecting Democratic Constitutional Order, and Creating a New Republic of Korea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This coalition aims to counter what it calls \u201cfar-right forces, including the PPP,\u201d and strengthen opposition unity ahead of a potential early presidential election.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, the PPP has faced scrutiny for its own ideological alignment. On Feb. 22, PPP lawmaker Jang Dong-hyuk <\/span>attended<\/span><\/a> a national prayer meeting organized by Save Korea, a prominent evangelical group that has vocally supported Yoon. During the event, Jang declared, \u201cGod will surely lead our war to victory. I will continue to stand by the president until the end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Such statements have fueled <\/span>criticism<\/span><\/a> that the PPP is aligning itself with hard-right religious groups, reinforcing Lee\u2019s claim that the ruling party has moved away from traditional conservatism.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung and other party lawmakers greet citizens ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, June 24. 2025 | Image: Democratic Party of Korea<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

POLICY OVER IDEOLOGY<\/b><\/p>\n

While Lee\u2019s rebranding of the DP has dominated political discourse, some within the party argue that policy should take precedence over ideological labels. Kim Hyun, a DP lawmaker, described Lee\u2019s statement as a reflection of pragmatic governance, emphasizing that the party has always focused on economic growth while adapting to changing political circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University, is skeptical that the DP\u2019s rhetoric will translate into an actual ideological shift.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe key question is whether the public will genuinely believe the DP has become a centrist party,\u201d Shin said. \u201cThe answer is no.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Rhee of Politics and Business Consulting believes South Korea\u2019s political landscape would be healthier if the two major parties positioned themselves as center-left and center-right, rather than gravitating toward ideological extremes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jang suggested that voters are now less concerned with political labels and more focused on tangible policies. \u201cPeople don\u2019t just listen to slogans anymore,\u201d he said. \u201cThey judge politicians based on their actual policies and track record.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He added that unless Lee makes substantial policy shifts \u2014 particularly in economic liberalization and national security \u2014 his claim of being a centrist conservative will remain more political rhetoric than reality.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of the day, political identity isn\u2019t about what you say \u2014 it\u2019s about what you do,\u201d Jang told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Culture & Society<\/span><\/a>Domestic Politics<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lee Jae-myung has ignited a political firestorm by rebranding South Korea\u2019s Democratic Party (DP) as \u201ccentrist-conservative,\u201d a move that could either broaden his appeal or alienate his progressive base. His claim that this has long-been the stance of the party has triggered intense debate over the DP\u2019s ideological identity, with supporters calling it a strategic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10909,"featured_media":2208520,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[25,27],"class_list":["post-2208519","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis","tag-culture-society","tag-domestic-politics"],"yoast_head":"\nLee Jae-myung\u2019s political gamble: Rebranding Democratic Party as conservative - Korea Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2025\/02\/lee-jae-myungs-political-gamble-rebranding-democratic-party-as-conservative\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lee Jae-myung\u2019s political gamble: Rebranding Democratic Party as conservative - Korea Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Lee Jae-myung has ignited a political firestorm by rebranding South Korea\u2019s Democratic Party (DP) as \u201ccentrist-conservative,\u201d a move that could either broaden his appeal or alienate his progressive base. 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