[The Editors' Verdict] Is Yoon Seok-yeol a Political Dark Horse or a Burdensome Figure?

[Asia Economy Jeong Wanju, Deputy Director and Political Chief] Right after Yoon Seok-yeol was appointed Prosecutor General, there was an assessment that he could become a 'double-edged sword.' This was because it was predicted that he would wield his sword indiscriminately, targeting the core of power as well as both ruling and opposition parties.

The double-edged sword has now become a 'gyeryuk' (chicken rib). The ruling party needs no explanation. Yoon's term ends in July next year. Considering the time needed to find a successor and the confirmation hearings, his actual remaining term is just over six months. Hence, it is quite awkward to touch him.

If Yoon is dismissed, it would only raise his political value. It would be like scratching an itch and causing more trouble. The image of a Prosecutor General who stepped down under political oppression would be imposed on him. This would be a negative factor for the ruling party ahead of next year's by-elections. Even if it is painful and frustrating, they have no choice but to leave him alone. This is the ruling party's hidden intention that cannot be openly revealed.

The People Power Party cheered and supported 'Yoon Seok-yeol,' who showed determination toward Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae at the National Assembly audit. It was a burdensome time when there were criticisms that the audit was ineffective and weak. In that situation, Yoon's appearance with his resolute remarks was like a savior.

Popularity among citizens dissatisfied with the Moon Jae-in administration also concentrated on him. Eventually, his support rate surged to 17.2% in the next presidential candidate preference poll. This unprecedented situation saw a sitting Prosecutor General mentioned as a presidential candidate, surpassing all others to rank first within the opposition.

So, can the People Power Party really ride the 'Yoon Seok-yeol great hope theory'? To conclude, it is not an easy task. From the People Power Party's perspective, Yoon's emergence is more likely to become a gyeryuk.

Why is that? The case of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon inevitably comes to mind. Ban expected the Saenuri Party, struggling with the impeachment crisis, to pave the way, but it was not easy.

So, they came up with the third zone 'big tent' strategy. The result was disappointing. It was because he lacked the weed-like resilience to endure the rough and barren political environment. It left only the lesson that the presidential competitiveness of high-ranking officials with no political experience is seriously weak.

Like Ban, Yoon, who lacks a supporting faction within the party, risks self-destruction if he circles around the outskirts of the People Power Party. The same applies even if he joins the party. If trapped in a specific frame, he might collapse as is. The People Power Party, which supported the Yoon Seok-yeol great hope theory, would not be unafraid of suddenly turning into a shipwreck without a captain.

Going back a bit further, there is also the case of former Supreme Court Justice Ahn Dae-hee, who was popular as a 'straight prosecutor.' He sparked the 'Ahn Dae-hee great hope theory' when he was nominated as Prime Minister candidate during the Park Geun-hye administration.

However, he was embroiled in controversy over preferential treatment due to his background as a 'million-won-a-day emperor lawyer' and dropped out just six days after his nomination. The great hope theory disappeared without a trace. It only revealed the limitations of a former public official who could not navigate the situation himself. Therefore, the People Power Party feels burdened to fully embrace the Yoon Seok-yeol great hope theory.

The key question is what form Yoon will take if he chooses politics. It is risky to jump on the great hope theory just because his popularity is soaring. Except for coups, there has never been a case where a political newcomer who has not served as a member of the National Assembly rose to the presidency. Some raise the 'Chungcheong great hope theory' because Yoon's father is from Chungcheong Province, but it lacks persuasiveness.

What if he starts as a member of the National Assembly rather than aiming for the presidency? Yoon is a typical Seoul native. If he runs in Seocho-gu or other Gangnam 3 districts leveraging his Prosecutor General background, or participates in by-elections, entering the National Assembly would not be entirely impossible. He could build resilience in Yeouido politics and then secure a power base.

It is therefore intriguing whether the Ministry of Justice's inspection results on Yoon will become the 'smoking gun' that accelerates his political moves.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.