[Private Residence Politics] More Curious Voices of MB and Park Ahead of the General Election

⑤President's Residence, 'Dalseong-gun·Nonhyeon-dong'
MB Residence, Key Figures of Lee Myung-bak Administration Come and Go
Park Residence, Restricted Access Except Lawyer Yoo Young-ha

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Yoon Seul-gi]

Editor's NoteEvery year at the start of the new year, the residences of political leaders become bustling with visitors. During the era of factional politics and even afterward, key figures in Korean politics gathered there. The areas where these residences are located have become proper nouns themselves, forming a pillar of politics. Over five installments, we analyze the 'Private Residence Politics' centered around the homes of former presidents such as Donggyo-dong, Sangdo-dong, Bongha Village, Pyeongsan Village, as well as Dalseong-gun and Nonhyeon-dong.

"For the prosperity of the Republic of Korea, I will pray and fulfill my role."

On December 30, 2022, in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, President Lee Myung-bak, who was reinstated by a special New Year's pardon, delivered this message to the public in front of his private residence. Key figures from the People Power Party, including Representative Kwon Seong-dong and former Representative Lee Jae-oh, who were central to the Lee Myung-bak (MB) administration, gathered in Nonhyeon-dong.

Political language carries implications. The pledge to pray for the prosperity of the Republic of Korea can be interpreted in various ways. On that day, President Yoon Suk-yeol requested in a phone call with MB, "Please play a role for the country and the people." The so-called MB faction, along with figures from the prosecution, forms the core of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

Among the ruling party's influential groups, including Representative Kwon, there are also members from the MB faction. Could MB's private residence become a political stronghold during the general and presidential elections? Although the MB faction once formed a massive faction within the conservative party, that is a matter of the past. Considering the current political reality, experts diagnose that it would be difficult for them to operate as a single political entity like the Donggyo-dong or Sangdo-dong factions.

Former President Lee Myung-bak, who was pardoned and reinstated by President Yoon Suk-yeol's New Year's special pardon, arrived at his residence in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on December 30, 2022, and delivered a message to the nation. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Professor Park Sang-chul of the Graduate School of Political Studies at Kyonggi University said in a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 17th, "It is more appropriate to interpret (the visit to MB's residence) as a demonstration of the consolidation of the pro-government and conservative camp centered around President Yoon," adding, "(MB) stepping into the political frontline is an overinterpretation and merely political imagination."

Although pardoned and reinstated, it is not a situation where he can function as a new political axis. However, in conjunction with changes in the ruling party's power dynamics, visits to the Nonhyeon-dong residence may be used as political messages.

If prominent People Power Party figures visiting MB's residence in Nonhyeon-dong and exchanging greetings are exposed, political interpretations could follow. As the political realignment intensifies ahead of the general election in April next year, the political significance of the Nonhyeon-dong residence could grow.

Since MB was recently discharged from Seoul National University Hospital, visits to the Nonhyeon-dong residence will be limited due to health reasons, but if his health recovers, movements by ruling party figures are expected to become more active.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is shaking hands with former President Park Geun-hye after the inauguration ceremony of the 20th president held at the National Assembly on May 10, 2022. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

The case of former President Park Geun-hye is different from MB's. Park Geun-hye, who was pardoned and reinstated on December 24, 2021, faces health issues as a variable. Her release as a special pardon ahead of the presidential election sparked various political interpretations. Considering Park's political fandom, there was speculation that she could influence the presidential election landscape. However, Park has refrained from any politically interpretable actions.

In fact, except for attending President Yoon's inauguration on May 10 last year, she has avoided public exposure. Park resides at her private residence in Dalseong-gun, Daegu. Dalseong-gun is her political hometown that made her a member of the National Assembly. The Dalseong-gun residence is different from the Nonhyeon-dong residence.

Unlike MB's residence in Nonhyeon-dong, where MB faction figures come and go, politicians rarely visit the Dalseong-gun residence. Jo Won-jin, leader of the Our Republican Party, said, "Former President Park's health is not good. Except for lawyer Yoo Young-ha, she does not meet anyone," and pointed out, "People who try to politically exploit 'Park's heart (朴心)' in such circumstances are acting wrongly."

Former President Park Geun-hye is attending the inauguration ceremony of the 20th President Yoon Suk-yeol held at the National Assembly on May 10, 2022. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

The general consensus is that former President Park will not issue messages or show movements that could influence real politics in the future. However, like the Nonhyeon-dong residence, the Dalseong-gun residence may still be used as a political message ahead of the general election.

If her health recovers, key figures from the Park Geun-hye administration and ruling party politicians may visit the Dalseong-gun residence. If they convey messages from former President Park in the form of relayed statements, political interpretations are expected to follow. This suggests that, regardless of Park's own intentions, there is potential to influence the political scene in Yeouido.

Park's side showed cautious responses regarding various situations expected to unfold ahead of next year's general election. Lawyer Yoo Young-ha said, "There will be an opportunity to speak about it later."