Why are People Power Party's approval ratings rising? No reform despite election loss

The People Power Party (PPP) is experiencing a surge in public approval ratings following the June 3 local elections, a trend that has surprised many given the party's recent election defeat and apparent lack of significant reform measures.

“

The election wins of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon have led centrist conservatives, who had previously distanced themselves from the party, to find a reason to support and reconvene.

Several analyses point to the election victories of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon as catalysts for this shift. Supporters, who had previously distanced themselves from the party, reportedly found renewed hope for a conservative resurgence, leading to a mobilization of the base. Political commentator Park Dong-won suggested that the wins provided a "reason to support" for centrist conservatives, who have now reconvened. He also cited issues like ballot shortages and internal party conflicts within the Democratic Party as contributing factors.

PPP lawmaker Lee Seong-kwon acknowledged the rise in support but attributed it less to the leadership of party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and more to the emergence of forces capable of enacting reform following the local election results. Some also believe that a segment of the centrist voters, disillusioned by the government and ruling party after the ballot shortage incident, have shifted their allegiance.

“

This is not a phenomenon that occurred because leader Jang Dong-hyuk's direction is correct or because he did particularly well, but rather a result of the emergence of forces capable of reform following the local election results.

Despite calls for the party's leadership to resign, Jang Dong-hyuk has dismissed these demands, using the rising approval ratings as justification. When Supreme Council member Yang Hyang-ja labeled the current leadership a "zombie leadership" and demanded a collective resignation, Jang retorted that it was an insult to the citizens who had shown their support.

“

It is an insult to the citizens who have sent their support.