National Unity Out of Reach... People Power Party and Reform Party Boycott Lee's National Appointment Ceremony

"Treated as Mere Props at a Government Celebration"
Multiple Factors at Play: Special Prosecutor's Raid, Pardons, and More

The People Power Party has decided not to attend the National Appointment Ceremony, which is being held on August 15, Liberation Day, and is seen as an inauguration event for President Lee Jaemyung. This decision is a protest against the special pardon that included a large number of ruling bloc figures such as former Cho Kuk Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk, as well as the special prosecutor's office's raid on the party's central headquarters.

On August 14, Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, held an Emergency Response Committee meeting at the central party office in Yeouido and stated, "It is deplorable that President Lee is holding a self-coronation ceremony after failing in the Korea-US tariff negotiations and pardoning shameless criminals such as Cho Kuk and Yoon Mihyang. We will not attend." The party leadership plans to attend the Liberation Day celebration in the morning of August 15, but will not participate in President Lee's National Appointment Ceremony in the afternoon.

Song Eonseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on August 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The National Appointment Ceremony is largely seen as an event commemorating President Lee's election following the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol. Within the party, there is a consensus that there is no need to attend what is considered a "celebration for the government and ruling party." A senior People Power Party lawmaker said in a phone interview, "Carrying out a special prosecutor's raid while calling for national unity is no different from telling us not to come to the ceremony. This is simply unacceptable." Another party official added, "There is absolutely no reason for us to be props on a day that amounts to the liberation of criminals. If we attend just to make up the numbers, we would be fools."

The hardline stance against the opposition since Jeong Cheongrae became leader of the Democratic Party has also played a role. With the party facing a crisis due to the special prosecutor's investigation targeting them, controversies over pro-Han Gil factions, and internal divisions, there are calls for the People Power Party to unite against the opposition. Another official argued, "Chairman Jeong does not respect the opposition as a partner in state affairs. He does not even treat the opposition as people, so of course we should not attend the National Appointment Ceremony."

Questions have also been raised about the legitimacy of the event itself. A senior People Power Party lawmaker said, "It is strange to hold an appointment ceremony more than two months after taking office. Especially considering this is the 77th anniversary of the Constitution and the 80th anniversary of Liberation, it is unacceptable to replace the national holiday event with a National Appointment Ceremony."

The Reform Party has also decided not to attend, with leader Lee Junseok and floor leader Chun Haram citing the pardons of individuals they deem unfit for Liberation Day. Former presidents and first ladies from conservative parties have also announced their intention not to attend, turning the National Appointment Ceremony into an event for the ruling bloc alone. Former Presidents Lee Myungbak and Park Geunhye have indicated they are unable to attend due to health reasons.

However, some have argued that, as an event with the nature of a presidential inauguration, attendance should transcend political lines. Kim Cheolhyeon, a special professor at Kyungil University and political commentator, said in a phone interview, "It must have been difficult for the People Power Party leadership to willingly attend an event congratulating President Lee's inauguration. However, not attending is a political miscalculation by the leadership." He also pointed out, "It is customary in politics to attend an inauguration regardless of political advantage or disadvantage. Not attending is a risky choice."