[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding the United Future Party overtaking the Democratic Party of Korea in party support ratings for the first time in four years, Rep. Seol Hoon of the Democratic Party and Rep. Hong Moon-pyo of the United Future Party exchanged differing analyses and engaged in a heated debate.
On the 14th, Rep. Hong appeared on YTN Radio's 'Starting New Morning' and said, "The fact that the United Future Party's approval rating is ahead of the Democratic Party is, in short, a comprehensive evaluation of the president entering his 3 years and 4 months in office."
He added, "I don't believe that laws and principles are properly functioning in our country right now. The same goes for ethics and morals," and continued, "In short, the Democratic Party was somewhat arrogant starting from the budget, personnel appointments, and supplementary budgets."
In response, Rep. Seol said, "It is shocking that the United Future Party has surpassed the Democratic Party for the first time in several years," and analyzed, "If the new leadership properly organizes disaster relief and revives the economy, the approval ratings will once again receive support from the public."
When asked by the host whether this was due to the United Future Party's 'gamani (remaining still)' strategy, he replied, "Yes. I believe the rise in the United Future Party's support is a temporary phenomenon," adding, "Although the ratings are currently reversed like this, the public will not continuously support a party without alternatives."
In response, Rep. Hong said, "Saying that public opinion improved for the United Future Party because of gamani is dismissing the opposition party," and countered, "We have persistently worked behind the scenes since the April 15 election." He cited recent examples such as the announcement of 11 policies and 35 action items, proactive visits to flood-affected areas in Honam, and proactive proposals regarding supplementary budgets.
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