Ruling and Opposition Parties Continue Chuseok Day Clash: "Far-Right Party vs. Lee Administration Destroying Livelihoods"

Democratic Party: "People Power Party Focuses on Smearing the President and Spreading False Agitation"
People Power Party: "Politics Should Serve the People's Livelihood... Reality Is the Opposite"

Democratic Party floor leader Kim Byung-ki and chief deputy floor leader Moon Jin-seok (left photo), People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seok and chief deputy floor leader Yoo Sang-beom (right photo). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the day of Chuseok, October 6, both the ruling and opposition parties continued to clash over issues such as the people's livelihood and economy, the paralysis of the national computer network caused by a fire at the National Information Resources Service, the death of a government official, and President Lee Jaemyung and his spouse's appearance on the variety show "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator."

Baek Seunga, Floor Spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said in a written briefing on the afternoon of Chuseok, "The People Power Party did not stop its political strife even on Chuseok," adding, "The far-right party that incites national division will face the judgment of the people."

Regarding the People Power Party's criticism of President Lee and his spouse's appearance on the variety show, she said, "They have set aside national unity and the recovery of people's livelihoods, and are instead nitpicking even the president's TV appearance, focusing solely on tarnishing the president's reputation and spreading false agitation."

Democratic Party of Korea Floor Deputy Leader Moon Jinseok, Floor Spokesperson Baek Seunga. Yonhap News Agency

She asserted that the "48-hour disappearance" theory raised by the People Power Party against President Lee was clearly false, stating, "The president took the lead in managing the situation during the urgent circumstances, such as the fire at the National Information Resources Service, conducting on-site inspections and discussing measures to prevent recurrence."

She further emphasized, "At the same time, President Lee prepared for the broadcast to approach the public in a friendly manner and to promote K-food," reiterating that his appearance on the show was part of cultural diplomacy to promote K-food and K-content to the world ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit later this month.

Baek Seunga added, "The actions of the People Power Party are the epitome of far-right politics, engaging in political strife even in the face of a national crisis," and stated, "The Democratic Party of Korea will respond by enhancing the national brand through people's livelihood, reform, truth, and cultural diplomacy."

Representative Jang Donghyuk and the leadership of the People Power Party are moving to the meeting room at the National Assembly on the 8th, where a meeting with the president and party leaders is scheduled. 2025.9.8 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Earlier in the day, People Power Party Representative Jang Donghyuk stated on Facebook, "The People Power Party will restore the nation and people's livelihoods that have been destroyed by the Lee Jaemyung administration," and pledged, "We will always stand by the people, ease their hardships, and take care of their livelihoods with warmth. We will not yield to any threats and will take the lead."

He pointed out, "The economy has lost its vitality, and people's wallets have become thinner. Young people are discouraged, and the sighs of small business owners and the self-employed are deepening," emphasizing, "What politics must do now is solely to serve the people's livelihood."

However, he criticized, "The reality is the exact opposite," adding, "The national computer network burned down, causing an unprecedented national paralysis. Small business owners lost their peak season sales, and citizens were left frustrated as they could not process civil complaints."

He continued, "The president was nowhere to be seen. While the response to the incident was left to government officials, he was filming a variety show," adding, "In the midst of this, the tragic news of a government official who was crushed by the weight of responsibility left the public heartbroken."

He also claimed, "Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, an illegal and unlawful arrest show was staged against former Korea Communications Commission Chair Lee Jinsook to protect Kim Hyunji, the 'absolute dignity' (chief secretary)," adding, "The public will no longer tolerate the total incompetence and irresponsibility of the Lee Jaemyung administration."

Chief Spokesperson Park Sunghoon also commented, "This year's Chuseok feels especially heavy," pointing out, "The paralysis of the national core computer network and the deadlock in customs negotiations have left the public feeling helpless." He added, "What the people want now is a government that fulfills its role," and pledged, "The People Power Party will take full responsibility until the people can see hope again."