[Reporter’s Notebook] Growing Non-Affiliated Voter Base Amid "Political Retaliation" and "Tyranny of the Major Opposition Party"

Non-affiliated Voters Surge to 27% in Gallup Poll
Concerns Grow Over Intensified Ruling-Opposition Conflict
Following Notification of Written Investigation to Former President Moon

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] A notable point in a recent Gallup poll conducted by a public opinion research institute was the trend of the non-affiliated voter group. Looking at the trend over the past six months, the proportion of those who answered "no party support" or "refused to respond" showed a rising trend. Six months ago, the non-affiliated group hovered in the high teens percentage-wise, but in this week's survey, it reached 27%, the highest level in six months.

The non-affiliated group is regarded as an indicator reflecting political indifference or aversion. The number of voters turning away from politics is steadily increasing. Behind this change in public opinion lies a series of political situations since the last presidential election. It is not difficult to guess that the series of events, such as disappointment with the new government after the election and intensified political conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties, have caused voters to turn their eyes away from politics. Amid the bickering between both camps over "political retaliation" and "tyranny of the major opposition party," centrist voters have begun to ignore politics.

Recent developments have worsened, raising concerns. The confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties intensified after the Board of Audit and Inspection notified former President Moon Jae-in of a written investigation. The opposition party mentioned a nationwide resistance movement, while the ruling party criticized former President Moon's remarks as "language of a feudal-era king," calling them "rude."

The bigger problem is that these actions are largely based on strategic calculations. President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was embroiled in a profanity controversy during his overseas trip, recorded his lowest approval rating since taking office at 24%. For the ruling party, recalling former President Moon to the political arena can serve at least as a distraction and, further, can consolidate the anti-Moon (반문, Ban-moon) public opinion that played a key role in their core support base. The opposition party also calculated that they would not lose by this. Although the mainstream is shifting from pro-Moon (친문, Chin-moon) to pro-Lee Jae-myung (친명, Chin-myeong), they can reaffirm their "community of fate" against political retaliation and strengthen their unity.

It is bitter that the expansion of the non-affiliated group is not part of the calculation of either party, despite the simultaneous crises in the economy and security.

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