Rising as a Strong Support Base Before and After the Presidential Election
Actively Demanding Park Ji-hyun's Resignation
Criticism from Political Circles Calling "Fandom Politics Absurd"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Around the March presidential election, the 2030 female demographic known as 'Gaeddal (Daughters of Reform)', who emerged as a core support base for the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), have been actively voicing sharp criticism toward the party. As the local elections approach following the presidential defeat, concerns are being raised about the party's apparent sensitivity to its hardline supporters, while advice is also pouring in that this moment should be used to achieve genuine reform.
'Gaeddal' Begin Active Actions Amid Party Turmoil
On the 20th, about 100 people identifying themselves as the 'DPK 2030 Female Supporters Group' gathered in front of the DPK headquarters in Yeouido to hold a rally demanding an apology and resignation from Co-Chair Park Ji-hyun of the Emergency Countermeasure Committee. During the protest, they reportedly criticized Park’s recent candid remarks as 'internal stabbing'.
In response, Park directly confronted the issue on the same day during an MBC radio interview, saying, "I am actually curious whether those people really are Gaeddal." She also revealed that she had been bombarded with text messages saying "Stop internal stabbing," and "Park Ji-hyun resign," in relation to sexual misconduct cases within the party, which made such questions distressing. On the same day, Representative Lee Tan-hee added his voice on Facebook, stating, "I think the term 'internal stabbing' should be discarded," and "Although there is a particular context during the election period, this issue must be addressed thoroughly afterward."
DPK Watches 'Gaeddal' Closely
The DPK had been mindful of this group even before the presidential election. At that time, as the gap in approval ratings between Yoon Seok-youl of the People Power Party and Lee Jae-myung of the DPK was expected to be close, securing a support base was necessary. Consequently, Yoon’s camp targeted the so-called 'Idaenam (men in their 20s)', while Lee’s camp focused on 'Idaenyeo (women in their 20s)'.
However, even after the DPK’s defeat in the presidential election, courting this group continued. At every campaign event for Lee, who ran in the Incheon Gyeyang-eul by-election, support from 2030 women was evident, and Lee responded by shaking hands and taking photos with them. On the 14th, during a meeting with supporters from the fan cafe 'Jaemyeong's Village' at the campaign office, Lee attributed significance to his supporters, saying, "There are various opinions about the so-called 'Gaeddal' and 'Yangadeul' phenomena, but I think it is a new political behavior with global historical significance."
Continued 'Fandom Politics': Boon or Bane?
Political circles are sharply divided over the DPK and Lee’s ongoing strategy to appeal to their support base. On the 20th, DPK lawmaker Ahn Min-seok wrote on Facebook, "The rush of young people joining the party to protect the DPK and Lee after the presidential election is touching. These new members, called 'Gaeddal' and 'Yangadeul', are meaningful."
On the other hand, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized Lee’s self-praise on CBS radio on the 16th, saying, "It’s not delusion, but I don’t understand how he sees global historical significance in this. Isn’t this the famous fandom politics? They failed because of fandom politics, yet they continue fandom politics while attributing global historical significance to it. To me, that is extremely bizarre."
To Remain a Strong Support Base
A post uploaded on Facebook by independent lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja on the 18th. [Photo by Yang Hyang-ja]
For the DPK preparing to rebound after the presidential election, the emergence of this group is a double-edged sword. If the 2030 female demographic, who voted for Lee as an alternative just before the election, remains a solid support base, it could secure a voter bloc in the next general election and beyond.
However, if the DPK continues with mere 'fandom politics', it is unlikely to achieve reform and change. This is a critical moment to analyze the causes and problems of the presidential defeat and work on improvements. Relatedly, independent lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja, who left the DPK, offered advice to the party on Facebook on the 18th. She said, "The emergence of groups like 'Gaeddal (Daughters of Reform, 2030 female supporters)' is welcome and appreciated, but caution is necessary," while sharply criticizing, "The current DPK cheering for 'Gaeddal' looks like a YouTuber dancing for super chats." She added, "The DPK thinks of itself as a 'strong team with sufficient support base and the only right one.' It was the same during the presidential election. Since there is still no reflection, the possibility of losing the local elections is very high," expressing her candid opinion.
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