Inside the Ruling Party’s Struggles: Are Voters Losing Faith in South Korea’s Politics?

Kim Geun-sik, a political science professor at Kyungnam University and chairman of the People Power Party’s Songpa district committee, criticized party leaders Jang Dong-hyuk and Han Dong-hoon, stating, “The public is indifferent and has given up on our party, which is wasting time on internal squabbles, regardless of right or wrong.”

On February 10, Kim posted on Facebook, “I’m greeting commuters in my district for the Lunar New Year. Even though I’m offering New Year’s greetings instead of political slogans, the public mood at subway stations is not just cold, it’s frightening.”

He described the atmosphere, saying, “Even people who know me turn away, and those who voted for me avoid eye contact. Sometimes, party members just storm off in anger.”

He asserted, “The People Power Party remains fixated on Yoon Suk Yeol, wasting time on disciplinary actions and resignation demands, while the public has lost interest and stopped paying attention.”

Kim then urged Jang, “Experience the cold public sentiment at Yeouido Station for yourself. It’s time to end the politics of division and internal disciplinary conflicts.”

Addressing Han, he advised, “I hope you can gauge the current public mood at your local subway station. It’s clear that the disciplinary actions against you were unjust and illegal, and your support base has been proven. Now, as a politician rather than a celebrity, please show ‘a grassroots commitment to rebuilding true conservatism.'”

Kim added, “Don’t just surround yourself with fans and supporters; face the harsh reality of public sentiment.”