Ruling and Opposition Parties Read Chuseok Sentiment in Opposite Ways: Democratic Party Stresses "Liquidation of Rebellion," People Power Party Says "Livelihoods Ignored"

Democratic Party: "Liquidation of Rebellion Was the Main Issue"
People Power Party: "Public Was Filled with Anxiety Over Livelihoods"
Debate Over President Lee's Appearance on Entertainment Show

The ruling and opposition parties had sharply different opinions regarding public sentiment during Chuseok. The ruling party emphasized the liquidation of rebellion as the prevailing sentiment, while the opposition party focused its criticism on livelihood issues and President Lee Jaemyung's appearance on an entertainment show.

On October 10, the Democratic Party of Korea stated that the prevailing public sentiment during this Chuseok was "liquidation of rebellion." At the Supreme Council meeting that day, Democratic Party leader Jung Chungrae said, "Liquidation of rebellion and recovery of the people's economy were the main sentiments during Chuseok," adding, "We confirmed the public's trust in and support for the Lee Jaemyung administration." However, Jung also noted, "There was also anxiety among the people," explaining, "Many are concerned that the ringleader of the rebellion might be released again, that the trial is being delayed, and that another failure in prosecutorial reform could occur."

Yonhap News Agency

Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, "The Democratic Party takes the public sentiment during Chuseok very seriously and will create a National Assembly that prioritizes people's livelihoods," adding, "The hardships people face in their daily lives did not stop even during the holiday." He pointed out that non-controversial bills had not been put to a vote in the plenary session, stating, "If the National Assembly fails to fulfill its role, the burden falls squarely on the people," and emphasized, "The Democratic Party will protect people's livelihoods by creating a National Assembly that puts citizens' lives before political strife, not just with words but with action."

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Youngbae said on KBS Radio, "Liquidation of rebellion was one of the key issues, and there were opinions that it should proceed more quickly, thoroughly, and competently." He continued, "Many people talked about the difficulties in their livelihoods and the sluggish economy. There were also concerns about tariff negotiations with Trump. People hope that the domestic economy will become more active going forward."

Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the National Assembly's audit countermeasure meeting held on the 10th. 2025.10.10 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

The People Power Party pointed out that public sentiment during Chuseok was cold toward President Lee and the ruling party. Jeong Heeyong, Secretary-General of the People Power Party, said at the audit countermeasure meeting that day, "The public sentiment we encountered in the regions was filled with anxiety and disappointment," adding, "Rising grocery prices have deepened people's worries, and less than 30 percent of fire recovery efforts have been completed." Jeong also criticized President Lee's appearance on an entertainment program, saying, "Far from stabilizing state affairs, the ruling party and the presidential office continue to make uncommunicative remarks while pushing through various so-called reforms that are actually detrimental."

Yoo Sangbeom, deputy floor leader of the People Power Party, also remarked, "The president and first lady appeared on an entertainment show looking cheerful, even as the country was experiencing an unprecedented national data network collapse due to a fire," and added, "We could not see any signs of mourning in front of the civil servant who made an extreme choice."

Kim Yongtae, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, said in a YTN Radio interview, "During the holiday period, many citizens, regardless of political affiliation, felt anxiety and fear about whether the arrest of former Korea Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jinsook was really justified."