Kim Min-seok: Responsibility for Approval Rating Recovery Lies with the Party

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized on September 15 that the responsibility for the recent decline in approval ratings for President Lee Jae-myung and the party lies primarily with the party itself. He urged the need to demonstrate the capabilities of a competent ruling party and called for a focus on preparations for the 2028 general elections.

During a meeting of provincial party leaders held at the Democratic Party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Kim stated, "Now is the time for the party to take action. We must take responsibility in our relationship with the government and begin to halt the ongoing decline in approval ratings and initiate a rebound."

He noted, "The party and the nation have been propelled forward by the president's personal leadership. However, due to various shortcomings during the June 3 local elections, the results did not meet expectations. The end of the first-year honeymoon period and the need for a comprehensive policy adjustment have contributed to the drop in approval ratings."

Kim acknowledged that various internal and external challenges continue to drive the decline in approval ratings but expressed optimism, stating, "The bottom is approaching. I consider this week, marking one month since the party convention, as the critical point for reversing the decline in ratings." He added, "In this process, we cannot rely solely on the president or the government; the party must proactively implement bold and responsible reforms."

Additionally, Kim argued that the party should enter a 'general election preparation system.' He remarked, "The day after this party convention, the general election effectively begins. It is advisable for provincial parties to consider that their election task forces have already commenced operations." He also mentioned regions like Seoul and Gangwon's Gangneung City, where by-elections are expected, and stressed the need to strengthen the meeting of provincial party leaders to accelerate election preparations.