"Protecting Lee Jae-myung" Democratic Party Sees Rush of 10,000 New Members Over Weekend

Surge in Party Membership After Rejection of Lee's Arrest Approval
Daily Average of 3,895 New Members
Hyun Geun-taek: "Public Opinion Says 'We Can't Leave It Like This'"

Since the rejection of the arrest motion against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, there has been a significant increase in party membership. Analysts suggest that the determination to form a united front against the Yoon Seok-yeol administration is being expressed through 'joining the party.'

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the expanded executive meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 6th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the 6th, Senior Spokesperson Ahn Ho-young, after concluding the expanded executive meeting in the morning, told reporters, "Since the rejection of the arrest motion against the party leader on February 27, the number of Democratic Party registered members has been increasing," adding, "From February 27 to March 5 (as of 8 a.m.), the number of registered members has surged explosively." It is understood that the number of registered members increased by about 10,000 over the weekend alone.

Senior Spokesperson Ahn explained, "From 14,373 members on Friday (the 3rd), the number rose to 24,369 by 8 a.m. on the 5th after the weekend, averaging 3,895 new members joining daily."

He analyzed, "This indicates that strong support for the Democratic Party is growing."

On the same day, Hyun Geun-taek, Vice President of the Democratic Research Institute, also told CBS Radio, "Many people who had previously left the party or were on the sidelines are now joining," adding, "Whereas previously about 500 members joined daily, now about 5,000 are joining each day."

In response to the host's question, "Is this a rush to join the party to protect Leader Lee Jae-myung?" he said, "That is part of it, and there is also public opinion that things cannot be left as they are now."

Regarding interpretations that the mass dissent votes in the previous arrest motion vote might turn into approval, Vice President Hyun predicted, "I believe there is a possibility that some who cast their votes this time may change their stance."

This is interpreted as meaning that it will not be easy for lawmakers who previously approved or abstained from the arrest motion against Leader Lee to go against the will (rejection) of the recently mass-joining party members.

Vice President Hyun said, "Those emphasizing the rejection need to reveal their organization to continue enforcing their will. But they are currently unable to do so," adding, "Even those who appeared on broadcasts and said this was not decided as the party's official stance are not saying anything. I believe party members and supporters have confirmed that the will is not approval."

When asked whether the so-called pro-Lee faction is becoming more marginalized and if the next arrest motion against the leader would likely be approved, he replied, "That is how I see it."

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