[Initial Perspective] The Path of the Minjoo Party

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] "If anyone here thinks their household finances have improved compared to before, please raise your hand. Ah, I see one person over there. Congratulations. Are you perhaps from Jeolla Province?"

In April 2000, at the dawn of the new millennium and about ten days before the general election voting day, then candidate Heo Tae-yeol of the Grand National Party said this during a joint campaign rally in the Bukgangseo-eul district of Busan.

This statement is often cited as a representative remark that stirred regional sentiments. His competitor at the time was former President Roh Moo-hyun. Roh had run for Busan in the 14th general election in 1992 and lost, and also faced consecutive defeats in the 1995 Busan mayoral election and the 15th general election in 1996. Although he gained the spotlight by winning the by-election in Jongno, Seoul, known as the "political first district," he made the bold decision to return to Busan in the 16th general election in 2000 under the banner of overcoming regionalism. The result was yet another bitter defeat.

"A farmer cannot blame the field," was what former President Roh left on his campaign website at the time. He chose the difficult path and threw himself into breaking regionalism, but it was himself who was broken. Nevertheless, he deeply reflected on the foundation of democracy, which requires thorough respect for the will of the people.

"Throughout thousands of years of human history, amplifying hostility, distrust, and hatred toward people has never led to good outcomes. I do not regret it. I am not disappointed. I hold no resentment or hatred toward anyone regarding today's judgment."

The Democratic Party, which was his political home, is now engulfed in the shock of a crushing defeat in the by-elections. Although they focused on raising allegations of moral flaws against opposing candidates, public sentiment seems to have been more disappointed by the structural flaws of the ruling party. The anger that apartment prices have risen to levels unattainable for ordinary people, while some were illegally or unfairly reaping the benefits, was not something that could be easily soothed. Exhausted by COVID-19, the exit still seems far away.

In the final stages of the election campaign, the Democratic Party tried to revive support from the last presidential and general elections by shouting "Once more, even if you hate us." However, it is human nature that if people once liked you but then came to hate or feel betrayed, it is difficult to quickly reverse that sentiment.

The Democratic Party is focusing on self-reflection and reform. They are attributing the failure to real estate policies and are attempting to correct their course. They are also accelerating compensation for business losses caused by COVID-19. Since all these tasks require bearing the burden of public finances, how smoothly they negotiate with the authorities is crucial.

To avoid further punishment, change is the only option. However, the general assessment is that the results of this by-election do not necessarily mean a win for the conservative opposition. The path the Democratic Party must take is a difficult one, adding innovation and competence to the fundamental principles that have underpinned it. If they misread public sentiment, they risk trapping even their "home base" supporters in disappointment.

When learning to ride a bicycle, focusing only on the front wheel makes it easy to fall. You need to keep your eyes on the distance. Former President Roh believed democracy is the same. "Since the advent of democracy, even if individual judgments have been wrong at times, over 50 or 100 years, the public's judgment has not been significantly mistaken. A momentary victory is not everything."