Ahead of Yoon's Statement and Press Conference, Ruling Party Holds Breath: "Must Apologize Properly" "Watching Closely"

Will National Approval Ratings Break Through and Improve Party-Government Relations?
"Could Be an Opportunity to Secure Momentum for National Governance"
Mixed Expectations Amid Concerns Among Party Lawmakers

On the 6th, a day before President Yoon Suk-yeol's 'National Address and Press Conference,' the People Power Party is holding its breath in tension. This is because it is expected to be a turning point that will break through the current low approval ratings of the government and simultaneously reestablish the conflict-ridden relationship between the party and the presidential office.

Jang Dong-hyuk, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, said in a CBS radio interview that "I believe this address will be a major turning point," adding, "If it reflects what the people want, we will be able to navigate the upcoming attacks from various opposition parties well, and it could serve as an opportunity to regain momentum in government administration."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony of the '2024 Korea Small Business Owners Conference' held at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do on October 31st. 2024.10.31 Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Cheol-gyu, a member of the People Power Party, also said on KBS radio that "Through this national address and press conference, I expect there will be detailed explanations about the parts that the public is curious or concerned about." Cho Jung-hoon, another party member, said on MBC radio, "By next week, half of the term will have passed, and in the blink of an eye, 2027 will arrive in two and a half years," adding, "The answer lies in returning to the original intention for which the president was chosen, and when the people raise a cane, showing pain is the attitude of a politician."

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is giving a greeting speech at the People Power Party Lifetime Member Invitation Meeting held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 5th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

There are also voices suggesting that the relationship between the presidential office and the party could change depending on the content of the address. A first-term lawmaker said, "Whether the party will go together with the presidential office depends on the president's address tomorrow," adding, "We are in a watching position." Another first-term lawmaker said, "The party and the presidential office are not in a situation to consult about the address. We are truly watching with cautious hearts."

Some lawmakers expressed hope for a sincere address from President Yoon. A first-term lawmaker from a local constituency said in a phone interview, "If it is simply a form of government report, people might be disappointed," adding, "Rather, it should start by acknowledging that while there have been some small achievements in two and a half years, overall there have been many mistakes."

Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, will hold meetings with senior lawmakers at the party headquarters on the same day. It is known that at 2 p.m., he will meet separately with lawmakers in their 5th and 6th terms, and at 4 p.m., with those in their 3rd and 4th terms. They plan to discuss measures to manage the recent crisis situation ahead of the national address.

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