President Moon Maintains Approval Ratings in the 40% Range Across Various Polls
Lee Jae-myung "Pro-Moon" Kim Doo-kwan "Who Has Sacrificed for the Party?"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The ruling party's presidential candidates are emphasizing that they are successors to President Moon Jae-in. This is a starkly different pre-election scene compared to the past when candidates distanced themselves from the incumbent president, whose popularity declined toward the end of his term. This appears to be because President Moon's approval rating remains solid, and the influence of the 'Chinmun' (pro-Moon Jae-in) voter base is strong.
In the case of Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, he was at odds with President Moon during the last presidential primary, so he is reacting most sensitively to this issue. On the 15th, Lee appeared on CBS Radio and emphasized, "I also voted for President Moon Jae-in, and I am a member of the Moon Jae-in administration." He also said, "(I am) indeed pro-Moon."
Unlike Lee, the presidential candidates who have been classified as pro-Moon from the start are emphasizing their 'legitimacy' and are working to narrow the distance with the incumbent president. On the 16th, Representative Kim Doo-kwan said on the radio, "Having held many titles and roles in the Democratic Party and government does not necessarily mean having legitimacy. What matters is who has sacrificed for the party even in difficult circumstances."
In particular, it is predicted that after the Supreme Court ruling on the comment manipulation charges against Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongnam Province and considered the legitimate heir of the pro-Moon faction, is delivered on the 21st, the consolidation of pro-Moon voters will become even stronger. Recently, the ruling party's presidential candidates did not fail to pay condolences at the funeral of Governor Kim's father-in-law, which is also interpreted as a move mindful of support for President Moon.
Moreover, if any changes occur in inter-Korean or North Korea-US relations ahead of the presidential election, public attention will inevitably focus more on President Moon. Although it is the last year of his term, security issues tend to become the core of the political situation, and thus the impact on the presidential election could increase accordingly.
Nevertheless, each presidential candidate faces a dilemma of having to present themselves as successors to the Moon Jae-in administration while simultaneously promoting progressive differentiation. Although various polls show President Moon's approval rating in the 40% range, it would be problematic for the next presidential candidate to be trapped in the 'Moon Jae-in Season 2' frame. Lee said, "We must inherit the merits, correct the faults, share responsibility, and add what is necessary to create a newer, better government. Like a student surpassing the teacher."
Regarding former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, responsibility issues arise due to his tenure as prime minister and ruling party leader in the current administration. Representative Park Yong-jin sharply criticized Lee, saying, "He is a general who lost the real estate war as prime minister. If he comes out with the same policies, won't the public see him as just an ordinary candidate?" Reporter Park Cheol-eung hero@
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