Photo by Shutterstock. A Pensive Moment for Leadership: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol exudes contemplation amidst an atmosphere of impending national decisions, reflecting the weight of a nation's expectations on his shoulders.

Crisis Looms Over Yoon Suk Yeol's Government: A Synopsis

By Byung Kee Park

1. Background

• Election Defeat: President Yoon Suk Yeol's strongly recommended candidate, Kim Tae-woo, was defeated in Seoul's recent Gangseo District mayoral by-election.
• Media Backlash: Conservative media that once supported Yoon's government, including major newspapers like Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, and DongA Ilbo (often called 'Cho-Joong-Dong'), have turned critical following the election.
   

2. Criticism from Prominent Newspapers

• Chosun Ilbo: Asserted that the Yoon government must win the people's hearts to successfully navigate national administration and implement reform agendas.
• JoongAng Ilbo: Expressed concerns over the lack of comprehensive renewal and introspection in the government, citing the intensification of socio-emotional polarization and a lack of diplomatic efforts.
• DongA Ilbo: Highlighted the government's shortcomings, emphasizing that persisting with the current course could recreate a nightmare scenario in upcoming general elections.
   

3. Media Consensus

• Cho-Joong-Dong's View: The newspapers collectively observed contributing factors to the local election defeat as the mass exodus of moderate voters, misreading of public sentiment, insufficient cooperation, and lack of inclusive leadership.
   

4. A Broader Context

• Symbolic Election: The Gangseo District election was a referendum on President Yoon's government, effectively a large-scale public opinion poll.
• Historical Context: The Gangseo district has previously seen victories for People Power Party (PPP) candidates, rendering the defeat even more symbolic.
   

5. National Sentiment and Political Ramifications

• Public Discontent: Approximately 70% of the populace exhibits discontent toward Yoon's government.
• Stable Support: Both the ruling PPP and the opposition Democratic Party each have a stable support base of around 30%.
• Potential Political Consequences: If Cho-Joong-Dong continues criticizing President Yoon, it could theoretically pave a path toward impeachment, given the corruption allegations against his family and himself.
   

6. Political Analysis

• Observer's View: Political pundits estimate that a further 30% of the population, on top of Yoon's foundational 30% support, has turned against the Yoon government.
• Poll Data: Gallup polls have shown 33% approval and 58% disapproval of President Yoon's performance, indicating a substantial shift in the position of moderate voters since the Presidential election.
   

7. The Challenge Ahead

• Capturing the Center: The direction of next year's general election hinges on winning the hearts of the moderate demographic, a task seemingly near-impossible for the current state of the Yoon government and the PPP.
   

8. Expert Insight

• Kim Jong-in's View: In an interview with Sisa Journal, former Emergency Measures Committee Chairman of both parties, Kim Jong-in criticized Yoon's governing attitude and suggested that the president lacks an understanding of how to govern an informed and discerning populace. He stressed that the current administration's "follow me unconditionally" approach erodes public trust.