[Reset Politics] Why Is the Collapsing People Power Party So Pathetic?

19%. This is the approval rating for the People Power Party, as reported in the National Barometer Survey (NBS) conducted by Embrain Public, Kstat Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research from July 7 to 9, surveying 1,003 men and women aged 18 and older. The same result was found in a Korea Gallup poll conducted from July 8 to 10, which asked 1,002 voters nationwide aged 18 and older about their current party support.

In the Korea Gallup survey, the People Power Party’s approval rating in Seoul was 15%. In Daegu·Gyeongbuk and Busan·Gyeongnam, support for the Democratic Party was also higher than for the People Power Party. By age group, even among those in their 70s and older, the Democratic Party had a higher approval rating. What do these results from Yeongnam, the People Power Party’s core support base, and among those in their 70s and older, indicate? Across all generations and regions, the People Power Party is being overtaken and collapsing in the face of the Democratic Party. The People Power Party, which is falling, has no wings.

The problem is that many do not even realize they have no wings. Even now, after a change in administration, there is inertia at work, with people thinking that simply attacking the opposition is enough. There is complacency in believing that approval ratings will recover over time. As the Myeongsim Bogam says, “If you fail to achieve your goal while working, look for the problem within yourself.” Without self-reflection and efforts toward innovation, trust can never be earned.

Moreover, this is right after the party’s president was impeached and lost the subsequent presidential election. This is truly a time when even a sincere apology would not suffice. Without awareness, there is no action; without action, there is no change. Without change, there is no popularity; without popularity, any argument sounds hollow. Why has the People Power Party, once the ruling party that moved the nation, become so pathetic?

First of all, no one takes responsibility. There is no “It’s my fault!” Even if it is not one’s direct fault, when the group one belongs to must take responsibility, someone must step up. It is only natural that those who held key positions at the time should be at the forefront. Is it reasonable that not a single person has resigned from the National Assembly or declared they will not run in the next general election? No one is willing to give up their vested interests. In fact, it seems more people are clinging tightly to them for fear of losing their grip.

Being preoccupied with vested interests, there is no concern for conservative philosophy or the future of conservatism. Reflecting on, apologizing for, and taking decisive action regarding “martial law” is an essential and prerequisite condition. Bold, symbolic, and collective action is needed. Without that, simply criticizing the opposition will not win applause. Sensible decisions that fit the times must be made. Now that it is a hot summer, is it appropriate to keep wearing a thick winter coat? The party must also escape the “Daegu·Gyeongbuk swamp.” It must become a forward base, not a sanctuary, in order to achieve progress and expand its reach.

Even among the younger and reformist factions, although there is much talk, no one seems to unify the whole. Their voices are fragmented and not organized. As the Korean proverb says, “Even if you have three bushels of pearls, they are not valuable unless they are strung together.” By letting go of individual egos and organizing, their voices can gain strength. If the People Power Party continues to wait for a party leader like a hero on a white horse, it may wither away. Still think there is plenty of time before the general election? A group that has lost trust has no future.