Ruling party goes on offensive, opposition stays low-key

Apr 06, 2026, 08:56 am

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Rep. Seo Young-kyo (third from left) spoke during a press briefing of a parliamentary special committee investigating alleged politically motivated prosecutions under the Yoon administration at the National Assembly on April 5. /Song Eui-joo

South Korea’s political parties showed sharply contrasting responses on the first anniversary of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, with the ruling party taking an aggressive stance while the opposition remained restrained.

The Democratic Party of Korea reiterated its commitment to what it described as “clearing insurrection forces,” while intensifying pressure on the People Power Party. It even argued that the opposition should refrain from fielding candidates in the upcoming June 3 local elections.

Political observers say the Democratic Party is attempting to frame the anniversary as a referendum on the People Power Party, aiming to gain an early advantage ahead of the local elections.

Party leader Jung Cheong-rae said at a public briefing, “Although it has been one year since Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, the process of clearing insurrection forces is still ongoing. It is not over until it is over.”

The Democratic Party has also sought to link the opposition directly to the former president, strengthening its narrative of accountability. Jung added that if the People Power Party is truly reflecting on its role, it should not nominate candidates for the local elections.

Spokesperson Baek Seung-a criticized the opposition, accusing it of obstructing investigations and trials while failing to show remorse.

In contrast, the People Power Party maintained a low-key stance and did not issue a separate statement marking the anniversary. The party indicated it would focus on forward-looking messages rather than political confrontation, noting it had already issued an official apology related to the Dec. 3 martial law crisis.

Chief spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon confirmed there would be no additional statement.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has escalated its offensive over alleged prosecutorial misconduct during the Yoon administration. Through a parliamentary investigation launched last week, it aims to examine claims of fabricated indictments tied to multiple cases, including those involving President Lee Jae-myung.

Committee official Park Sung-joon said, “The reality of politically motivated prosecutions under the Yoon administration is being revealed,” adding that it represented an unprecedented abuse of judicial power aimed at eliminating a leading presidential contender.

He added that efforts would continue to uncover the truth and document what he described as a “judicial coup.”

#Yoon Suk Yeol #impeachment anniversary #Democratic Party #People Power Party #local elections