Lee Jun-seok Leaving People Power Party... How Much Disruptive Power Does the New Party Have?

Press Conference This Afternoon in Nowon-gu
Appealing to Those Under 40
Likely to Influence Chairman Han Dong-hoon's Actions

Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok is expected to announce his resignation from the party on the 27th. After leaving the party, Lee plans to quickly proceed with the process of founding a new party, aiming for a rapid pace. Could the 'Lee Jun-seok New Party' become a new breakthrough within the dominant two-party political structure?

On the same day in the afternoon, Lee will hold a press conference at a restaurant in Nowon-gu, Seoul, where he has lost three elections. He is expected to inform local residents of the inevitability of his resignation and seek their understanding. Lee plans to complete the party founding schedule by early to mid-next month.

The remaining question is how much influence the 'Lee Jun-seok New Party' can have. According to a public opinion poll conducted by Gallup Korea on behalf of Kukmin Ilbo from the 7th to 8th, surveying 1,033 voters nationwide aged 18 and older, 32% of respondents viewed Lee’s new party positively, while 50% viewed it negatively.

Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

There is an interesting point. Among people in their 20s (positive 33%, negative 33%), 30s (positive 40%, negative 39%), and 40s (positive 40%, negative 43%), the ratio of those who viewed the party positively and negatively was almost the same. However, from the 50s and older age group, the negative perception sharply increased. At least among those under 40, Lee’s new party appears to have appeal.

However, public sentiment in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) was cold. In TK, 27% viewed Lee’s new party positively, while 51% viewed it negatively. The sentiment was even colder in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam. Only 21% viewed the party positively, whereas 59% viewed it negatively. This confirms a strong rejection in the Yeongnam region, which has a strong conservative leaning.

So, what level of support can Lee’s new party expect? Gallup stated, "As the outline of the new party becomes concrete and it reaches the actual founding stage, it will be regarded as one of the existing political forces, and much of the new political premium may disappear." This suggests that while support may be high at the initial founding stage, it could weaken over time as the party is perceived as part of the established political forces.

Recent political developments have been unfavorable for Lee’s new party. After the People Power Party was shaken by the defeat in the Seoul Gangseo-gu mayoral election, the emergence of Han Dong-hoon as the emergency committee chairman has allowed the party to reorganize and seek change. If Chairman Han sails smoothly, it will be disadvantageous for Lee, but if Han falters, Lee’s opportunity could grow. For more details on the polls, please refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.

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