'Double standards, Lies, Sexual Harassment, Incompetent Middle-aged Men'... Plummeting Image of the Democratic Party

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at a party members' meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 25th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Citizens' perceptions of the 'Democratic Party of Korea' have been characterized by images such as "double standards, lies, sexual scandals, authoritarianism, and incompetent men in their 40s to 50s," with a noted increase in negative images among the 2030 generation compared to 2019.

Song Gap-seok, the Democratic Party's Strategic Planning Committee Chair, disclosed this information to party members during a caucus meeting held on the 25th, presenting the 'Post By-election Political Landscape Change Report.'

According to a focus group interview (FGI) survey conducted by the polling firm Embrain Public on behalf of the Democratic Party from the 12th over four days, targeting eight groups of adult men and women aged 19 to 54, respondents most frequently associated the Democratic Party with the color blue (10.0%) and double standards (Naeronambul) (8.5%). Incompetence, lies, and sexual harassment/scandals ranked between 6th and 8th.

Similarly, negative images among the 2030 generation stood out. Double standards (Naeronambul) (6.4%) ranked 4th, with incompetence and sexual harassment/scandals also appearing within the top 10 negative images. Lies, bad reputation, and real estate policy failures were also mentioned.

In the August 2019 survey, negative images recalled by the 2030 generation included incompetence (7th), vulgar language/abuse (13th), and double standards (Naeronambul) (14th), but their response rates were around 1%, not ranking high. This is interpreted as a decline in the party image among young people over two years.

In the personification survey of the Democratic Party's image, respondents perceived the party as "authoritarian, all talk and no substance, an incompetent man in his 40s to 50s with no achievements."

On the other hand, the image of the People Power Party has shown positive improvement.

The first associated images with the People Power Party were neutral, such as conservatism (11.5%) and red color (9.3%), followed by corruption/scandals (3.0%), pro-Japanese collaborators/tochakwaegu (2.4%), and Park Geun-hye (2.3%).

When personifying the People Power Party, respondents described it as "a 50s to 70s old-fashioned man who values money and power and holds elitist views." The report stated, "While negative sentiments were strongly expressed during the 2020 general election, this year's by-election has formed images of 'rebuilding' and 'bulldozer' (drive) for the People Power Party."

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