[The Editors' Verdict] Can the People Power Party Shake Up the Game?

Park Sang-byeong, Political Commentator

The People Power Party is finally showing signs of vitality. Following the overwhelming victory in the April 7 by-elections?more precisely, the ‘jackpot’ won due to the self-destruction of the Moon Jae-in administration?there is a clear atmosphere of “let’s give it a try” both inside and outside the party. With only about 10 months left until next year’s presidential election, an enormous opportunity has come to the People Power Party. Who would have thought such a day would come just four years after the Moon Jae-in administration took office? Moreover, as the Moon administration enters its fifth year in power, it seems unlikely that there will be any more momentum for national reform. The intention appears to be more about finishing the term without major upheaval rather than advancing. The recent minor cabinet reshuffle, including the nomination of Kim Boo-kyum as Prime Minister, can be read exactly in this light. It seems to be an unavoidable choice even for President Moon.

However, the Moon administration’s descent is even more perilous. Having already lost strength, the downhill path is full of cliffs. It could easily slip into a ‘lame duck’ phase in an instant. The public backlash, fueled by the high expectations and resulting greater sense of betrayal and anger, will be harsher than expected. It now seems there is nothing left to rely on. Nevertheless, one thing cannot be denied: the innate ‘opposition party luck.’ Despite the Moon administration’s governance failures and the collapse of people’s livelihoods, which should have already led to a lame duck status, it is still holding firm thanks to the outdated People Power Party. Although it suffered a crushing defeat in the by-elections, the presidential election next year remains hopeful. It is even possible that this administration will be remembered as an unprecedented ‘lame duck-free government.’

Ultimately, the key lies with the People Power Party. Despite suffering a devastating defeat in last year’s 21st general election, it has failed to activate any reform programs. It has only spent time under the ‘Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee system’ as a way to avoid responsibility and due to lack of alternatives, and still has not found a way forward. Looking at the current internal situation ahead of the upcoming party leadership election, the outlook remains bleak. The very people who ruined the People Power Party are quietly resurfacing, and the outdated figures who should have been ousted long ago are already seeking another chance, invoking ‘regime change.’

The actions of the first-term lawmakers, who should fully understand the future of Korean politics and the practical limitations facing the People Power Party, are so quiet as to be gloomy. It is hard to tell whether this is a ‘people’ problem or a ‘structural’ problem. While some first-term lawmakers show courage, their efforts are far too weak to be called a ‘faction.’ Anyone can stand out, but forming a faction requires empathy, solidarity, and leadership. Without shared reflection or determination to fundamentally change the People Power Party, faction-building is impossible. There is also concern that members are divided, lining up according to their own calculations. If the party is still lost after directly experiencing the devastating defeat in the 21st general election, the People Power Party is truly beyond rescue.

Those disappointed with the Moon administration are quietly watching how the People Power Party will respond to them now. The party convention to elect the new leader is approaching. However, if it ends up being just another convention with the same old faces and no real change or expectations, it will be the worst outcome. It might even mean that the Moon administration’s ‘opposition party luck’ will grow stronger. If not, there is an urgent need for a blazing spirit of “yowon jihwa (燎原之火)”?a fire that spreads across the plains?to change the old patterns, even if it means jumping into the fire. First-term lawmakers and young politicians, who still have sufficient potential, must step forward. I hope the clear principle of “sa jik saeng (死卽生)”?death is life?will not be asked of only Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

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