Reasons for President Yoon's Approval Rating Decline Analyzed by Kim Jong-in

"Conflict Between Factions Gives Citizens a Negative Impression"
"Lee Jun-seok Is Just a Representative, Has No Power. This Is Not a Power Struggle"

Former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in is listening to a speech at the NEAR Foundation's 15th Anniversary Commemoration 'Korea's Modern and Contemporary History and Future Achievements, Reflection, Regret, and the Way Discussion' held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 30th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Former People Power Party Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in commented on the conflict between Representative Lee Jun-seok and the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction, saying, "It would have been better if both sides had shown some restraint, but because they strongly defended their positions, it has escalated to this situation."

In an interview on June 6 with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' former Chairman Kim said, "Representative Lee also took office at a young age and has shown some unfamiliar behavior, which is true," adding, "It would have been better if they had supported each other and moved in a positive direction. I deeply regret that it has come to this situation."

When asked whether the internal conflict within the People Power Party is a power struggle or an emotional fight, he said, "Representative Lee has no power. He is just the representative," diagnosing that it should not be seen as a power struggle.

He continued, "I believe Representative Lee himself is fully aware of his responsibilities as party leader. As the leader of the ruling party, there is no question that he must cooperate to ensure the government functions properly," and pointed out, "Such factional disputes within the party give a very bad impression to the public."

Regarding whether President Yoon Seok-yeol has intervened in party affairs amid the People Power Party's internal conflict, he said, "The president's duty is to focus on how to run the country properly over five years. I don't think he would individually intervene in party matters."

On the recent decline in President Yoon's approval ratings, he analyzed, "Since he was elected by a very narrow margin during the presidential election, the public is already almost evenly divided," adding, "However, over the past two months since taking office, many policies of the Yoon administration have not had the appeal to attract those who did not support it." He further diagnosed, "Due to issues such as personnel appointments, some supporters of President Yoon have defected, and the support he received at the time of election is not being maintained."