Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung faces a critical decision regarding the appointment of his justice minister nominee, Rep. Kim Seung-won of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), as he grapples with declining public support and internal party divisions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee's leadership is under scrutiny, with his approval ratings dropping to a new low. This has created a dual crisis for the ruling party, impacting both external policy momentum and internal party unity. DPK Chairman Kim Min-seok has likened the current situation to the crisis of 2004, when party dissidents joined an opposition campaign to impeach then-President Roh Moo-hyun, highlighting the gravity of the challenges Lee faces.
Civic groups, including the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), have openly opposed Kim's nomination, citing concerns over his past conduct, including driving under the influence and falsifying addresses to secure school placements for his children. This public rejection is notable given the group's progressive stance and alignment with Lee's administration.
The latest KSOI poll indicates public sentiment is against Kim's nomination, with 52.1 percent of respondents opposing it. Despite this, the ruling party has continued to support Kim, fearing that withdrawing another nominee could further undermine Lee's authority, especially after Rep. Yong Hye-in, nominated for gender equality minister, withdrew from consideration.
President Lee's decision on Kim's appointment carries significant political implications. Ignoring public opposition could further erode trust and complicate efforts to advance his policy agenda. With a press conference scheduled for Friday, Lee has an opportunity to address the issue and potentially withdraw Kim's nomination, which could help restore public confidence in his leadership. Ultimately, the decision remains with Lee, and it could shape the remainder of his presidency.