5·18 Democratic Cemetery Visit and Schedule
Analysis of Honam Public Sentiment Consolidation Efforts
Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a opening remark at the 1st meeting of the Post-Corona Inequality Resolution Task Force held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 15th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has recently faced a presidential crisis due to declining approval ratings, will visit Gwangju, the heartland of the ruling party, on the 18th as his first regional schedule of the new year.
On the day, Lee will watch the live broadcast of President Moon Jae-in's New Year's press conference, then head to Gwangju in the afternoon to pay respects at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery. He is also scheduled to meet with Bishop Kim Hee-jung, head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju.
Some analysts suggest that Lee's visit to Gwangju is aimed at regaining the support of Honam voters, who have turned toward the former presidents' pardon debate. Earlier, Lee announced his intention to propose pardons for former presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye to President Moon Jae-in, which sparked backlash mainly from the ruling party's supporters.
Following this, Lee's presidential approval ratings sharply declined, especially in Honam. According to a recent Korea Gallup poll on preferred presidential candidates, Lee's support in Honam was 37% two months ago in November last year, but dropped to 21% in this month's survey, a 16 percentage point decrease, losing the top spot in the Honam region to Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung.
The decline in Lee's support is also noticeable within the National Assembly. Min Hyung-bae, a Democratic Party lawmaker representing Gwangsan-eul in Gwangju, recently expressed support for Governor Lee as a presidential candidate.
There is also analysis that the defection of Honam support is only the beginning. This comes as Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, originally from Jinan, Jeonbuk, who shares titles such as ‘Honam multi-term lawmaker’ and ‘Prime Minister under Moon Jae-in’s administration’ with Lee, is gradually gearing up for a presidential bid. If Prime Minister Chung makes a full-fledged presidential move, it is expected that he could split the remaining Honam support with Lee.
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