Is 'Munppa' a Gain or a Loss... What Do You Think About 'Fandom Politics'? [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Jin Joong-kwon "Please tell me why you support Moon Jae-in"
Netizens express opinions on SNS "Like President Moon, but dislike fandom politics"
Recently, Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop lost primary to 'political newcomer'
Criticism arises that 'Moonppa' influence might have played a role

At the time the Democratic Party's presidential candidate Moon Jae-in attended a focused campaign rally held at Ilsan Cultural Park in Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do on the afternoon of May 4, 2017, appealing for support. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon has drawn attention by analyzing 'fandom politics,' expressing a desire to understand supporters of President Moon Jae-in. The fandom is interpreted as targeting the fervent supporters of President Moon, known as 'Moonppa.' In particular, it is seen as an attempt to look into the plausibility and underlying aspects of some 'Moonppa' who place exceptional trust in President Moon Jae-in.

'Moonppa' have been embroiled in controversy day after day. Criticism arose that the power of 'Moonppa' might have been at work when Geum Tae-seop (53), a Democratic Party lawmaker who publicly opposed the appointment of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and expressed negative opinions about the establishment of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit, lost the primary to political newcomer Kang Sun-woo (42), a former Democratic Party deputy spokesperson. This led to concerns that healthy criticism might no longer be possible.

Also, suspicion was raised that 'Moonppa' might have organized attacks after a market merchant complained to President Moon about poor business conditions and became a target of criticism. As a result, questions arise whether 'Moonppa' are a political asset or liability. While they are a reliable support base for politicians, there are also criticisms that they are a faction incapable of communication.

◆ Jin Joong-kwon: "Please tell me why you support Moon Jae-in"

On the morning of the 16th at 12 a.m., former professor Jin posted on his Facebook, saying, "I am writing about fandom politics. If you are a fan of Moon Jae-in, please tell me what you like about him that makes you support him."

He added, "If you are not a fan, please let me know what Moon fans say about what they like about Moon Jae-in, or what they say about him, or how they express their affection for Moon Jae-in. If you have witnessed anything, please let me know. Thanks in advance."

As of 10:30 a.m. on the 17th, this post has recorded 94 comments and 32 shares. Netizens are commenting on former professor Jin's post and continuing discussions related to President Moon Jae-in.

Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon wrote on the morning of the 16th about the 'fandom politics' surrounding President Moon Jae-in and asked to explain the so-called 'Moonppa' characteristics. Photo by Former Professor Jin's Facebook capture

◆ "I respect President Moon but have skepticism about fandom"

One netizen stated, "I respect and support the current president, Moon Jae-in. However, I have skepticism about the 'fandom' (=already solidified). When a faction grows, interest groups inevitably emerge, and the current political situation seems to be like that."

They continued, "Even in situations where internal voices should be heard and self-reflection is needed, the achievement of 'democratization' seems to play a significant role. It would have been better if during the Cho Kuk incident, although legally not problematic, it was acknowledged that it did not align with public sentiment and 'justice.' Then I would have continued supporting the Democratic Party."

Another netizen said, "I am a supporter of (Moon Jae-in). Because of the response that protected the lives and livelihoods of the people during the Pohang earthquake, Gangwon Province wildfires, and COVID-19." They added, "Also, the continuous rise in the WEF (World Economic Forum) national competitiveness. Although everything cannot improve overnight, I support because I see gradual progress."

Meanwhile, one netizen expressed dislike for the so-called 'Moonppa' behavior and said they do not support President Moon. This netizen said, "For reference, I dislike Moon Jae-in because I don't understand the behavior of 'Daeggae-moon' (those who support Moon blindly)." They added, "Also, I dislike things like minimum wage, 52-hour workweek, and nuclear phase-out. It seems they think even if they fail, their goodwill will be recognized."

President Moon Jae-in. Photo by Yonhap News

◆ "Fandom started with Roh Moo-hyun... fandom politics has many problems"

One netizen mentioned 'fandom politics.' This netizen said, "The start of fandom politics was President Roh Moo-hyun. However, fandom politics has many problems because it causes affection competition around the fans. Who can have more affection? But no change can be made by one party overpowering another."

They continued, "Policies proposed by one party come out through a process of agreement with other parties. They are competitors and beneficiaries to each other. But when fandom politics takes over, in the unavoidable process of political strife (there can be no politics without strife), if our fans are attacked by other parties, revenge is carried out."

They added, "Revenge only invites more revenge. Eventually, it ends in fighting. Roh Moo-hyun is Roh Moo-hyun, and Roh Hoe-chan is Roh Hoe-chan. We should just let them go and strive to live like Roh Moo-hyun and Roh Hoe-chan ourselves."

President Moon Jae-in. Photo by Asia Economy DB

◆ 'Moonppa' asset or liability, ongoing controversy... Expert: "If you can't interpret the Moonppa phenomenon, you can't understand political phenomena"

Controversy surrounding the fervent supporters of President Moon has continued. Recently, Democratic Party lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, who openly criticized former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, lost the party primary on April 12 for the 4·15 general election and ultimately did not receive nomination, leading to speculation that the power of 'Moonppa' was at work.

The winner against Geum was political newcomer Kang Sun-woo, former Democratic Party deputy spokesperson, who defeated a well-known incumbent lawmaker without local ties after only about a week of campaigning as an outsider.

According to the primary results, Kang received over 60% support in both the party members' vote and the general public opinion poll, each weighted at 50%. This is why people say the power of 'Moonppa' was at work.

Meanwhile, on February 9, a merchant at the traditional market in Onyang Oncheon, Asan, Chungnam, complained to President Moon during a meeting, saying, "(The economy) is terrible. Business is not going well," and was subjected to various criticisms. There is suspicion that 'Moonppa' rushed in to attack and criticize him.

The merchant said, "For several days, I started receiving 4 to 5 calls a day from 'caller ID restricted' numbers. I didn't answer, fearing voice phishing, but calls came even at 11 p.m." He expressed difficulty in business, saying, "Was it so wrong to honestly say business is tough? I'm scared to meet people."

President Moon Jae-in is having a conversation titled 'The People Ask, 2019 Dialogue with the People' on the afternoon of November 19 last year at MBC in Sangam-dong, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

As such, various interpretations about 'Moonppa' have emerged. While some evaluate them as a reliable support group from a politician's perspective, others criticize them as a faction that cannot communicate, blindly attacking any critical opinions about President Moon Jae-in.

Summarizing the situation, 'Moonppa' continue to be embroiled in controversy over whether they are an asset or liability. Experts define 'Moonppa' as a force that cannot be interpreted by traditional political logic.

Professor Park Gu-yong of the Department of Philosophy at Chonnam National University said, "Moonppa is a phenomenon, not a traditional political organization," emphasizing, "They cannot be interpreted from the existing political perspective."

He added, "Traditional political support groups have someone giving orders and move in a coordinated manner, but Moonppa lack that characteristic. If we cannot interpret this Moonppa phenomenon, we will not be able to understand future political phenomena," he asserted.