South Korea’s conservative bloc is in turmoil following a devastating defeat in the snap presidential election, which saw Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung win with 49.42% of the vote. The loss follows former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal from office after his failed attempt to declare martial law in December, sparking national outrage and dividing the People Power Party (PPP).
The conservative PPP is now grappling with internal strife, leadership resignations, and calls for sweeping reform. Lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong resigned as floor leader, urging the party to rebuild from scratch. Presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, who garnered 41.15% of the vote, blamed the fractured right-wing coalition and internal disputes, including his clash with acting President Han Duck-soo over the nomination process. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the minor Reform Party and former PPP head, refused to withdraw, securing 8.34% of the vote and further splitting the conservative base.
Critics say the PPP failed to distance itself from Yoon’s far-right agenda, alienating moderate voters. Analysts like Park Sangbyoung argue the party must disband and start anew to remain relevant, while political scientist Shin Yul called out PPP leadership for prioritizing self-interest over values.
Despite past comebacks, including post-Park Geun-hye’s 2017 impeachment, the conservative camp faces an uphill battle. Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon emphasized the need for cooperation with the liberal government on key issues but warned against compromising judicial independence amid corruption probes involving President Lee.
As pressure mounts, lawmaker Park Jeong-hoon summed up the sentiment: “We must tear down our house and rebuild it.” The PPP’s survival may depend on how fast and decisively it can reform amid South Korea’s shifting political landscape.