Pros and Cons of the Previous Campaign Committee Scandal... Yoon Establishes a One-Top System but Reveals Political Limitations

Repeated Controversies Over Recruiting Kim Jong-in
Missed First Opportunity to Reveal Political Vision
5-Month Career Alleviates Concerns
Strengthened Party Standing, Statements, and Control

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, has caused various controversies while forming his election campaign committee, which clearly seems to act as a ‘setback’ on his presidential race. The prevailing assessment is that this demonstrated the ‘limits of his political skills.’ However, it is not all loss. Seizing control of the ruling party within just five months of entering politics can also be seen as a ‘display of political prowess’ from another perspective.

Compared to the Democratic Party, the People Power Party had a later primary schedule, making the early formation of the campaign committee urgent. Yoon recently said, “Every minute and second is precious,” reflecting this sense of urgency. What held back the fast-moving Yoon was the issue of recruiting former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in. There had been continuous calls for an experienced commander to support the political newcomer Yoon. Even Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, described Kim as “the best commander currently available,” so Kim Jong-in’s joining was considered a given and a constant for electoral victory.

The controversies arose as Yoon began to ‘express his own voice.’ A difference in approach emerged between Kim, who emphasized a swift and decisive campaign organization, and Yoon, who stressed ‘going forward together.’ On the 26th, Jung Mi-kyung, a senior member of the People Power Party, explained on the radio, “Kim thinks it should be a single, unified command, while Yoon wants to slightly distribute power and proceed with overall cooperation.”

The prolonged tug-of-war over whether Kim would join or refuse, due to unresolved differences in forming the campaign committee, led to doubts about Yoon’s political skills. Yoon sent close aides repeatedly to persuade Kim’s side and even held an emergency dinner meeting with Kim, showing a sense of urgency. While some criticize Kim for insisting on overly self-centered politics, Yoon also revealed a rigid attitude of ‘accept the plan I drew.’ Political commentators viewed Yoon’s stumbling over the campaign committee formation?his first major political project since entering politics?as a significant ‘adverse factor.’

However, Yoon did gain something. Regardless of who became the overall campaign chairman, he impressed upon the public that he himself is the ‘top leader.’ As his political career progressed, the frequency of ‘gaffes’ causing self-inflicted damage decreased, and his ability to maintain stable approval ratings alleviated much of the anxiety typical of a political newcomer. His refusal to be led by Kim also conveyed the perception that he is a candidate capable of conducting an ‘independent election campaign.’

Another gain from this series of events is the strengthening of Yoon’s standing, speaking power, and control within the party. This means that regardless of Kim’s position, Yoon can now expand his influence and scope of activity within the campaign committee on his own. Additionally, Yoon personally appointing key executives responsible for major tasks is positive in terms of consolidating his leadership and control over the campaign. However, criticism from inside and outside the party that Yoon’s appointments lack ‘freshness’ remains a challenge to be addressed. Political commentator Yoo Chang-sun criticized Yoon’s personnel philosophy on social media, citing as a prime example the appointment of former lawmaker Kim Sung-tae?who is currently on trial over allegations of preferential hiring of his daughter?as head of the campaign’s functional coordination division.

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