As South Korea readies itself for an incendiary coming presidential election, Lee Jae-myung is at the head of the opposition’s Democratic Party’s storm front. He must negotiate a political landscape populated with ardent fans and vehement detractors. Lee’s own path began as a poor child factory laborer. Today, he is the popular governor of Gyeonggi Province and a beacon of hope to millions of voters looking for stability in times of chaos. As he leads the Republican primary, his path to the presidency is marred by numerous legal challenges and controversies which have plagued his campaign.
Just last week, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung addressed thousands of supporters from behind bulletproof glass. This security measure came on the heels of death threats and a stabbing incident he experienced last year. This harsh reminder of the consequences he faces has done little to shake his determination. Instead, it has emboldened his base, doubling down on his ability to withstand attacks, enhancing his narrative of overcoming the challenges.
In an era where political polarization is rampant, Lee has strategically navigated his campaign by redefining the Democratic Party’s identity. He asserts that the party is “originally centre-right, not progressive,” aiming to court what his campaign terms “rational conservatives.” Lee is trying to stay away from a hard-right ideological corner. He’s trying to appeal to those moderate voters who would have perceived him as too far left in previous iterations.
Lee’s metamorphosis into a socially liberal, fiscally conservative centre-right candidate seems to be working in spades. Most recently, his support from prominent figures such as Choi Sang-hwa, former Vice Minister under President Park Geun-hye, is telling. On top of that, the final economic policy endorsement from several conservative groups shows a change in tides. These endorsements show an emerging coalition that must appeal to contradictory factions within South Korean politics.
In Gallup Korea’s final opinion survey before the pre-election blackout, Lee Jae-myung was well ahead. He only got 49% support from all the people surveyed. Realmeter’s final poll confirmed this trend, showing him at 49.2%. This robust backing underscores his ability to connect with voters who are still grappling with the ramifications of authoritarianism in the country’s past.
Lee is enjoying increasing popularity, legally his campaign is still hovering under the dark clouds of still-present legal unknowns. He has long denied all the charges against him, calling them a politically motivated witch hunt by Democrats. His resistance to these charges has only strengthened his story of an outsider battling a rigged political system.
In a September 5 statement, Lee underscored his intent to do right by everyone even if he disagrees with their political affiliation.
“But whether someone supports me, opposes me, or is indifferent, I will respect them equally as citizens of the Republic of Korea.” – Lee Jae-myung
This message strikes a particular chord with those voters who’ve tired of or lost faith in establishment party politics. Lee casts the newly formed People Power Party as a “far-right criminal organization.” This unequivocal statement gives him even more credibility in his claim that what he calls radical political games have gone too far.
Lee’s ascendance tells us something about the dynamics in South Korean society today. His appeal across the racial and political spectrum stands as a testament to how political culture wars have transcended ideological divides. They insert themselves into the mix on pressing matters such as international relations with North Korea and regional allegiances.
Lee’s campaign has been enhanced by attacks on his opponents. In consideration of this changing political landscape, many supporters on the ground allege that the PPP has failed its supporters.
“Through the insurrection, the People Power Party betrayed the state and the people.” – Kim Sang-wook
This feeling reflects a deep outrage building up within the electorate that might just hold the ears of those who have not truly been listening.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, Lee Jae-myung offers a vision for South Korea that seeks to bridge divides and promote unity. His message of hope for a different path resonates deeply with those who have experienced political turmoil in the past.