Party Leadership Candidate Claims He Can Boost President's Approval by 10%

Jeong Cheong-rae, a candidate for the leadership of South Korea's Democratic Party, confidently stated on August 12 that his election as party leader would immediately increase President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating by approximately 5%, with the potential to reach over 60% within a short period.

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The issue is that the hearts of traditional supporters have cooled.

During a press conference at the National Assembly, Jeong identified the cooling of traditional supporters' enthusiasm as the primary problem affecting the president's approval. "The public's expectations for a president who works well have not waned. The issue is that the hearts of traditional supporters have cooled," he said. Jeong believes that if President Lee reaffirms the spirit of 'sovereignty of the people' and trusts and works with the public, they will respond with high approval ratings.

Jeong asserted that he is needed to boost the president's approval, promising to reignite the passion of the core traditional base and increase ratings by more than 10%. He noted that raw data suggests this core support base, which rates the president's performance as 'very good,' has become significantly loosened since the June 3 local elections, a trend reflected in the declining approval ratings.

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President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating needs to be boosted now, and Jeong Cheong-rae is needed.

Addressing comparisons with other candidates, Jeong dismissed the need to follow their strategies. He pointed out that both rival candidates, Song Young-gil and Kim Min-seok, had previously lost mayoral elections. "Those who have lost elections they personally ran in, how much would they want to win?" he questioned, while expressing confidence in leading the Seoul mayoral by-election and the Gangneung parliamentary by-election to victory.

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I believe Jeong Cheong-rae has the support of traditional supporters and the core base. My election will directly lead to an increase in the president's approval rating.

Regarding criticism about his stated national priority of "ending internal strife," Jeong explained it as a crucial national task that aids governance. He also highlighted his perceived advantage in speed, decisiveness, and drive for large-scale projects, suggesting his rivals lacked detail in these areas, particularly concerning the Southwest Semiconductor Cluster, a key mega-project.

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That interpretation is difficult. It's a matter of principle, a reminder of what has been a slogan until now.