"We will usher in the KOSPI 5000 era."

During the last presidential election, opposition parties criticized the pledges made by President Lee Jae-myung as "unrealistic figures," "empty slogans," and "populism." However, about seven months after President Lee's inauguration, the KOSPI surpassed the 5000 mark for the first time in history, bringing renewed attention to the past statements of opposition figures who confidently claimed that fulfilling the pledges was impossible.

On the 22nd, as the KOSPI surpassed 5000 during trading for the first time in its 46-year history, the Democratic Party was in a celebratory mood. In contrast, the People Power Party remained silent without making any official statement. Political observers suggest that this response is not unrelated to the skepticism previously shown by the opposition regarding the KOSPI 5000 milestone.

Na Kyungwon, People Power Party member. YouTube channel 'Maebulshow'

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Previously, Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, criticized then-Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung's campaign pledge of "KOSPI 5000" during the presidential race in May last year. She argued, "Candidate Lee, who has anti-market and anti-business tendencies, is making empty promises," and described it as "like a mirage."

At the time, Na stated, "The stock index does not rise by slogans alone," emphasizing, "It is only possible when there is growth in corporate value, a solid economic foundation, and accumulated market trust." She further pointed out, "Lee Jaemyung's promise of KOSPI 5000 is like building a fancy second or third floor without laying the foundation."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, also attended an event held at the National Assembly in October last year and stated, "The Lee Jae-myung administration talks about KOSPI 5000 with words, but I firmly say," "It can never be achieved by a government captured by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions."

Kim Moonsu, former Minister of Employment and Labor and then-People Power Party presidential candidate, also criticized the Democratic Party's legislative efforts-including the Yellow Envelope Act (amendments to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act) and the Serious Accidents Punishment Act-during a Central Election Committee meeting at the Korea Exchange in May last year. He stated, "It is inconsistent for someone who worsens the fundamentals to claim they can push the stock index to 5000."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and Kim Moonsu, former Minister of Employment and Labor, are having a luncheon meeting at a Chinese restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul on September 23, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, also expressed skepticism around the same period. He questioned, "Isn't the stock market being taken too lightly?" and mentioned President Lee's past experience with stock investments. The "KODEX 200" and "KODEX KOSDAQ150" ETFs, which President Lee revealed he purchased during the presidential campaign, have now posted returns of over 100% and 30%, respectively.

Lee Junseok, Leader of the Reform New Party.

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In August last year, Lee further downplayed the index's upward trend, calling it "beginner's luck" and "the new business effect," and warned, "It will eventually crash spectacularly after speeding out of control like a car with failed brakes." He also cautioned, "Mistaking the easing of structural constraints, such as the end of the martial law era, for one's own ability and running wild is dangerous," and asked, "How far must the KOSPI fall before people come to their senses?"

In response, the Democratic Party, through a spokesperson's briefing on the 22nd, targeted Na and others by stating, "What meaning do ridicule and criticism hold in the face of today's reality of 'KOSPI 5000'?" The party emphasized, "The 'KOSPI 5000 era' promised by the president during the election campaign has become a reality, proven not just by pledges but through policy and execution."