Yoon's Harsh Words Stir Up Cheong... Is a Second Round Between Moon and Yoon Coming?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Park Jun-yi] Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party candidate who was asked to apologize by President Moon Jae-in for mentioning the investigation into deep-rooted evils, once again made remarks implying that the Moon Jae-in administration engaged in political retaliation. The Blue House expressed displeasure, calling it a "self-contradiction," raising the possibility of a second clash.

A senior Blue House official said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 18th, "We cannot predict, but we hope such a situation (where President Moon speaks directly) does not arise," adding, "President Moon is fully committed to overcoming Omicron and restoring the people's economy." The official pointed out, "If the Moon Jae-in administration engaged in political retaliation, does that mean the prosecution under Yoon Seok-yeol, which investigated former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, carried out political retaliation? This kind of self-contradiction is unprecedented. He has crossed the line by a long shot."

On the 17th, during a campaign rally in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, Yoon refuted the Blue House and the Democratic Party's characterization of his remarks about the investigation into deep-rooted evils as "political retaliation," saying, "Even in the past, fascists like Hitler or Mussolini were the best at blaming others," and added, "Covering up one's own crimes and fabricating crimes that were never committed to incite people is a tactic used by fascists and communists."

Comparing the Blue House and the Democratic Party to "fascists" or "Hitler," or saying they "fabricated crimes that were never committed to incite people," can be interpreted as implying that the Moon administration committed political retaliation, which is highly controversial. Especially since these remarks came right after the Blue House warned Yoon by saying they would "watch closely," it is highly likely that Yoon's "rough language" will continue at campaign rallies.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Accordingly, attention is focused on whether President Moon will once again demand an apology from Yoon for his insinuations of "political retaliation" or express intense anger. However, it seems that the Blue House is also deliberating on the level of response going forward. There is a risk that with only 20 days left until the election, the "regime judgment" narrative could become clearer, potentially causing a backlash by consolidating conservative votes.

In a nationwide indicator survey (NBS) released after President Moon's "apology remarks," Yoon's favorability rating was 40%, leading Lee Jae-myung's 31% by a margin outside the margin of error. This significantly widened the gap compared to previous polls where the race was within the margin of error.

Experts also point out that President Moon's involvement could rather highlight the regime judgment narrative and create a favorable election dynamic for Yoon. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "From the opposition's perspective, the 'Moon Jae-in vs. Yoon Seok-yeol' dynamic is more advantageous, so they keep provoking and attacking President Moon," adding, "The recent intensification of Lee Jae-myung's negative attacks on Yoon is also aimed at creating a 'Lee Jae-myung vs. Yoon Seok-yeol' dynamic, but if President Moon says one more word, Lee's efforts could be wasted."

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