SEOUL: Today’s by-elections in South Korea, focusing on local government positions and the Seoul educational office chief, are viewed as significant indicators of public sentiment towards President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration. As the administration nears the midpoint of its term, the election results are anticipated to influence the political discourse significantly, especially in the upcoming meeting between President Yoon and People Power Party (PPP) leader, Han Dong-hoon.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the political tension has escalated in the lead-up to these elections and a critical meeting between President Yoon and PPP leader Han Dong-hoon. Han has intensified his rhetoric against the administration, particularly targeting the role of the first lady, Kim Keon Hee, in public and political affairs. Earlier this week, Han demanded a reshuffle within the presidential office to address public concerns regarding the first lady’s influence and called for a conclusive investigation into allegations of s
tock manipulation involving her.
These developments come as President Yoon’s approval ratings have dipped, with a recent Realmeter survey showing a 2.1 percentage point drop to 25.8 percent, marking one of his lowest approval points this month. The ongoing controversies involving the first lady, including accusations related to luxury gifts and stock manipulation, have become focal points of political debate.
The political discourse is further complicated by internal divisions within the PPP, with factions reportedly aligning with either President Yoon or Han Dong-hoon. These divisions highlight the challenges facing the ruling party as it seeks to navigate through internal conflicts and public scrutiny.
The presidential office has responded to these controversies by denying any specific “line” supporting the first lady and affirming plans to establish a second office to oversee her affairs, a move previously promised by President Yoon after vetoing a special prosecution bill concerning her.
As the by-ele
ction results come in, they are expected to set the tone for the forthcoming meeting between President Yoon and Han Dong-hoon. The outcomes could either provide the administration with a mandate to push forward with its policies or serve as a wakeup call to address the growing discontent among the public and within its own party ranks.