"'General Election Risk' Yoon-Han Party-Government Conflict... 'A Decision Must Be Made'"

'Lee Jong-seop·Hwang Sang-mu' Opposed by Presidential Office at Han Dong-hoon's Request
Ruling Party Warns of Potential Backlash in Seoul Metropolitan Area and Centrist Voters
"Presidential Office Must Present a Solution Acceptable to the Public"

The conflict between the ruling party and the government over 'Ambassador Lee Jong-seop's return from Australia' and 'the position of Hwang Sang-moo, Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Presidential Office' is showing signs of escalating into a risk for the general election. Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, demanded the ambassador's return and Hwang's voluntary resignation, but the Presidential Office expressed opposition. With the April 10 general election just 22 days away, the People Power Party views this issue as particularly detrimental to public sentiment in the metropolitan area and among moderate voters, closely watching the Presidential Office's decision.

The People Power Party reiterated that Chairman Han's remarks calling for the ambassador's immediate return and Hwang's voluntary resignation represent the party's position. Jang Dong-hyuk, Secretary-General of the People Power Party, said at a press briefing on the morning of the 19th, "If it does not meet the public's expectations, necessary decisions must be made."

Handonghun, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, is arriving at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chairman Han did not respond to reporters' questions on his way to work on the day, continuing with his official schedule as he did the previous day.

The reason the People Power Party is taking a somewhat hardline stance against the Presidential Office on this matter is due to public opinion. A poll showed the president's approval rating dropped to the 30% range for the first time in four weeks, and the People Power Party's support also declined. According to a survey conducted by Realmeter commissioned by the Korea Energy Economics Institute from the 11th to the 15th, targeting 2,504 voters aged 18 and over nationwide (95% confidence level, margin of error ±2.0 percentage points), President Yoon's positive evaluation of state affairs was 38.6%, down 1.6 percentage points from the previous week. The survey was conducted via automated calls (97% mobile, 3% landline) with a response rate of 4.4%.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the Livelihood Economy Inspection Meeting held on the 18th at the Nonghyup Distribution Talent Development Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The party support rating fell more sharply than that of the Democratic Party of Korea. In a party support survey conducted from the 14th to the 15th targeting 1,000 voters aged 18 and over nationwide (95% confidence level, margin of error ±3.1 percentage points), the People Power Party dropped 4.0 percentage points to 37.9%, while the Democratic Party fell 2.3 percentage points to 40.8%. The party support survey was conducted via automated calls (97% mobile, 3% landline) with a response rate of 4.2%. For more details, refer to the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website.

Even figures classified as pro-Yoon are feeling a sense of crisis and demanding a decision from the Presidential Office. Kim Kyung-jin, former People Power Party lawmaker running in Dongdaemun-eul, Seoul, said, "(The local constituency sentiment) is not good." He added, "If this is not accepted, the Presidential Office will lose much of its administrative momentum." Jeong Jin-seok, People Power Party lawmaker (Gongju, Buyeo, Cheongyang, Chungnam), also told reporters that day, "A do-or-die battle is underway," and "Everyone must take this very seriously."

Yoon Sang-hyun, People Power Party lawmaker (Dong-gu Michuhol-gu-eul, Incheon), also wrote on his Facebook, "Various poll indicators show that government judgment is prevailing," adding, "There may be reasons and grievances, but a resolute decision must be made." Choi Jae-hyung, People Power Party lawmaker (Jongno, Seoul), said on MBC Radio that day, "We must resolve the issue without a single suspicion."