Opposition Forces, Lee Jae-myung Seek to 'Differentiate' Themselves

There is growing backlash against the 'Lee Jae-myung one-pole system' among the broad opposition forces who jointly launched an offensive against the ruling party. Concerns arise that former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung's political views might be perceived as a unified voice of the entire opposition. As criticism of the Democratic Party's factionalization intensifies, there are predictions that the momentum for opposition cooperation under Lee Jae-myung's second-term leadership could weaken.

According to political circles on the 15th, the opposition's critical voices outweigh expectations regarding Lee's announcement of his bid for re-election. First, some say Lee's attempt at re-election itself signifies a loss of democratic spirit. Lee's 'rightward shift' remarks, such as reconsidering the comprehensive real estate tax and postponing the application of the financial investment income tax?measures aimed at appealing to centrist voters?have also fueled dissatisfaction within the opposition.

Regarding the immediate call to reconsider the comprehensive real estate tax, the Democratic Party and the Jo-guk Innovation Party, which has aligned its policy steps with the Democrats, expressed disbelief. Jo-guk Innovation Party's candidate for party leader opposed Lee's remarks, stating, "If the comprehensive real estate tax is reduced or abolished, the region will be completely ruined." The Innovation Party leadership expressed suspicion about the Democratic Party's true intentions. Hwang Hyun-seon, Secretary-General of the Innovation Party, lamented, "Some leadership within the Democratic Party agrees, while others do not. I have no idea what the Democratic Party truly thinks." The question is whether it is right to overturn the opposition's policy stance just to secure centrist votes.

Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is declaring his candidacy for party leader at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

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The Reform Innovation Party and New Future Party have also distanced themselves from the Democratic Party. This is due to concerns that opposition cooperation, such as the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act, might be seen as turning a blind eye to the Lee Jae-myung one-pole system. The Reform Innovation Party has repeatedly criticized the Democratic Party as an "authoritarian party centered on Lee Jae-myung alone." They labeled the Democratic Party's push for the "President Yoon Seok-youl impeachment petition hearing" as unilateral. Kim Seong-yeol, chief spokesperson of the Reform Innovation Party, intensified criticism by saying, "The Democratic Party is arrogant and lowly." Jeon Byung-heon, newly elected leader of the New Future Party, sharply condemned Lee, saying he is "trying to imitate the Nazi era under Hitler by mimicking Putin's methods."

Political circles believe that even if the Democratic Party enters Lee Jae-myung's second-term system, future opposition cooperation will not be as easy as before. The original symbiotic relationship was based on criticism of President Yoon Seok-youl's administration's governance failures and lack of communication, and there are indications that the Lee Jae-myung one-pole system is no different from the current administration. Some predict that other opposition parties will focus on highlighting their distinctiveness from the Democratic Party. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "The Jo-guk Innovation Party has already issued positions immediately differing from Lee on issues like the comprehensive real estate tax, seeking points of differentiation from the Democratic Party," adding, "They will use this as an opportunity to elevate the party's standing."

On the other hand, some foresee minimal impact on opposition cooperation aimed at countering the ruling party. This is because the opposition's existing stance toward the Yoon Seok-youl government is unlikely to change significantly even with Lee Jae-myung's second-term system. Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "Even if each party raises criticism of the one-pole system to highlight their distinctiveness, it will be difficult to justify shaking the opposition's policy cooperation."

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