Concerns Grow Over Possible Backlash in Party Approval Ratings
Amid Consecutive Dismissals of Impeachment Motions
On the 23rd, as the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion against Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, the political burden on the Democratic Party of Korea, which led a series of cabinet member impeachments, is growing. After President Yoon Seok-yeol's emergency martial law declaration on December 3, the Democratic Party attempted to use the impeachment card to break through, but it is backfiring like a boomerang.
Chairperson Lee Jin-sook of the Korea Communications Commission, who returned to duty after the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion, is answering questions from the press after leaving the grand courtroom following the verdict on the impeachment trial of the Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 23rd. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
Members of the Democratic Party and the Innovation Party for Justice on the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee held an emergency press conference on the 23rd, warning, "Chairperson Lee, who is returning to duty, should not act recklessly," and added, "This Constitutional Court ruling dismissed Lee Jin-sook's dismissal, not an order to seize control of broadcasting." They reiterated, "If Chairperson Lee again engages in illegal duties with only two people, such as appointing directors of public broadcasting, we will hold her strictly accountable."
While the committee members emphasize the implications of the Constitutional Court's decision, the Democratic Party is experiencing mixed feelings internally. Roh Jong-myeon, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, told reporters after a closed-door party meeting, "It is a regrettable and unfortunate position, but nonetheless, we have no choice but to respect the Constitutional Court's decision. It is a complex stance."
Chairperson Lee Jin-sook of the Korea Communications Commission, who returned to duty after the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion, is leaving the Grand Bench after the verdict on the impeachment trial of the Chairperson was delivered on the 23rd at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
Chairperson Lee's return is also connected to the Democratic Party's concerns about its approval ratings. Although the proportion of conservative-leaning survey respondents has relatively increased, the Democratic Party is tense as various polls continue to show warning signs. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung also bowed his head at a press conference, saying, "Since it is the will of the people, we have no choice but to humbly accept it," regarding the decline in approval ratings.
The People Power Party views the Constitutional Court's decision leading to Chairperson Lee's return as a political boon and is actively sending messages. Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized, "The dismissal of Chairperson Lee's impeachment revealed the true face of the 'Lee Jae-myung faction's' rampant impeachments and legislative dictatorship."
In political circles, attention is also focused on how this Constitutional Court decision will affect President Yoon's impeachment trial request. If the Constitutional Court continues to dismiss other impeachment cases, it could become a variable influencing both public opinion and the political landscape. Hong Hyung-sik, director of Hangil Research, pointed out, "The moderate public feels that the values they cherish, such as democracy and the rule of law, have been damaged by the Democratic Party's response after the impeachment."
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