Since former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol was selected as the People Power Party's presidential candidate, there has been an increase in 'party withdrawal certifications' from the People Power Party across various online communities. [Photo by Online Community Capture]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] As former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol was selected as the People Power Party's presidential candidate, there is a growing movement of party withdrawal among the 2030 generation, who had supported lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo.
On the 6th, the People Power Party's official website's "I Have Something to Say" board was flooded with posts notifying withdrawal and requests to cancel party membership fees, mainly from members who had supported lawmaker Hong. One member strongly criticized the People Power Party with a post titled "Listen well, 60s and 70s generation and supporters of candidate Yoon," saying, "What is new about just bringing out a new face? You who are gambling with the country are old-fashioned politicians."
On an online community, after the news of candidate Yoon's primary victory was announced, photos of withdrawal reports submitted to the People Power Party and screenshots of withdrawal confirmation messages were posted multiple times. They expressed doubts that although lawmaker Hong not only led in opinion poll support rates but also received much support in party member votes, especially among the youth, he was not selected as the candidate.
There are also observations that these reactions from the 2030 youth could cause divisions within the conservative support base. Since the inauguration of Lee Jun-seok as the People Power Party leader, the 2030 generation, which had newly joined the party's support base, seems to be turning their backs again. They expressed resentment toward the middle-aged and older generations, saying, "This is not the People Power Party but the 'Power of the Elderly,'" and "The future of young people has been crushed by the elderly." Additionally, responses rejecting candidate Yoon were observed, such as "I will abstain from next year's presidential election," and "I would rather vote for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate."
In response, Leader Lee said, "Among those who supported the losing candidates, some are showing signs of disappointment by withdrawing from the party," and added, "Support from the 2030 generation for our party is not something that any particular individual can monopolize." He emphasized, "If candidate Yoon understands and works on what the younger generation wants going forward, he can dispel various concerns," and "Candidate Yoon and I will work hard so that the 2030 generation, which has shown great support for the party, can give even more support in the future."
Meanwhile, after the primary results were announced, lawmaker Hong said on his Facebook, "I was thrown away like a used item by the party I devoted 26 years to," but also stated, "This party is where I will end my political career." He also expressed his feelings, saying, "There are strange elections where one loses despite receiving support from half (48%) of the people," and "However, I will not forget the gratitude of the 2030 generation who gave 70% support."
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