South Korea's Opposition Secures Major Win in Midterm Elections, Dealing a Blow to President Yoon
The liberal opposition parties in South Korea have achieved a significant victory in the recent parliamentary election, delivering a strong setback to President Yoon Suk Yeol and his conservative party. While falling short of a super majority, this outcome marks a decisive shift in the political landscape.
South Korea's liberal opposition parties achieved a big win in the parliamentary election on Wednesday, which was a setback for President Yoon Suk Yeol and his conservative party. However, they are expected to fall just short of a super majority.
According to data from the National Election Commission and network broadcasters, the Democratic Party (DP) is projected to secure over 170 out of the 300 seats in the new legislature. This information comes as more than 99% of the votes have been counted as of 5:55 a.m. on Thursday (5:55 p.m. ET Wednesday).
Projections showed that a splinter liberal party, believed to be allied with the DP, was likely to secure at least 10 seats.
DP leader Lee Jae-myung expressed gratitude to the voters, stating that their choice was a reflection of their dissatisfaction with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. He emphasized that by electing him, they were entrusting the Democratic Party with the task of improving people's lives and building a stronger society.
Lee secured a position in Incheon, located west of the capital, Seoul, after defeating a prominent conservative candidate who was closely aligned with the president. The intense competition was viewed by experts as a test of public sentiment towards Yoon, whose approval ratings have declined due to economic challenges and political controversies.
A Lady Dior Pouch on Christian Dior's official website. The bag is at the center of a political controversy in South Korea.
A Lady Dior Pouch on Christian Dior's official website. The bag is at the center of a political controversy in South Korea.
Dior
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Many opposition victors believed that Yoon had mismanaged the economy and failed to address the issue of his wife accepting a Dior bag as a gift. "Judgment" was a common theme in their comments.
First lady Kim Keon Hee has not been seen in public since Dec. 15. Some analysts and opposition party members believe she has become a serious political liability for the president and his PPP. This was evident when Yoon voted and she was absent.
Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) was expected to win slightly more than 100 seats. This meant that Yoon would not have to worry about facing a super-majority of two-thirds opposition control. Such control could potentially break presidential vetoes and pass constitutional amendments.
As he approached the final two years of his five-year single term permitted by the constitution, Yoon was at risk of becoming a lame duck, according to some analysts.
The National Election Commission (NEC) was set to reveal the official results on Thursday. The NEC reported that nearly 29.7 million people, equivalent to 67% of eligible voters, participated in the election.
It marked the highest ever turnout for a parliamentary election, though the numbers were down from the 2022 presidential vote that narrowly brought Yoon to power.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, watches election results at his district office in Incheon, South Korea, on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, watches election results at his district office in Incheon, South Korea, on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Yoon, who started his term in May 2022, did not have to run for election this time around. However, the performance of his party, the PPP, in the election is likely to greatly affect his ability to pass laws.
Despite his efforts, Yoon has been struggling with low approval ratings for a while now. This has made it difficult for him to fulfill his promises of reducing taxes, simplifying business rules, and enhancing support for families in a country facing rapid aging.
Mason Richey, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, believes that Yoon may shift his attention towards his international agenda due to his limited time in office. However, this could be hindered if the opposition party decides to reduce budgets with their majority.
Richey mentioned, "As Yoon is likely to be considered a lame duck, he may be more inclined to concentrate on foreign affairs where he still holds legal authority."
Editor's P/S:
The parliamentary election in South Korea has significantly altered the political landscape, with the liberal opposition parties securing a substantial victory. This outcome reflects the dissatisfaction of the electorate with President Yoon Suk Yeol's conservative administration, particularly regarding economic challenges and ethical controversies. The Democratic Party's projected success, falling just short of a super majority, empowers them to hold the government accountable and pursue their agenda.
Despite President Yoon's efforts to boost his approval ratings, the election results indicate a shift in public sentiment. The high voter turnout suggests a desire for change and a dissatisfaction with the current leadership. Yoon's limited time in office and the potential opposition to his policies by the majority party may hinder his ability to implement his desired reforms. The election outcome underscores the importance of addressing economic concerns and ethical governance to maintain public trust and political stability in South Korea.
