The Democratic Party has officially cautioned against public commentary that suggests the party faces insurmountable challenges if presidential approval ratings drop below 30%. This statement comes in response to remarks made by commentator Kim Ou-joon, who has been vocal about the need for a strategic shift, citing declining approval trends.
Party Rejects ‘Premature’ Predictions on Approval Ratings
Lee Yong-woo, the spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated during a press briefing on August 28th that “making hasty predictions about public sentiment is inappropriate.” He directly addressed Kim Ou-joon’s claims, asserting that they were “incorrect.” Lee cited historical data from Gallup Korea to support his argument.
According to the data presented, former Presidents Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung both saw their job approval ratings rebound significantly after initial dips. Kim Young-sam’s approval rose from 28% to 41%, while Kim Dae-jung’s increased from 38% to 54%. Similarly, the spokesperson noted that former President Moon Jae-in’s approval rating, which fell to 39% in 2019, later surged to 71%. Even after dropping to 29% in the latter half of his term, it recovered to 45% in the final survey.
“Politics is about overcoming and resolving challenges,” Lee emphasized, urging party members to “work hard as promised to restore the current administration’s approval ratings.”
Emphasis on Accurate Media Reporting
The party spokesperson also stressed the importance of journalistic integrity, stating, “The power of the media must be accurate. Progressive media must be more accurate.” He added, “We will always set the record straight regarding facts.”
A source within the ruling party indicated that the public statements from figures like Kim Ou-joon and Yoo Si-min, which they believe are based on flawed analysis, have caused concern. “There seems to be a reflection of dissatisfaction that figures like Kim Ou-joon and Yoo Si-min are shaking the presidency and the ruling party with inaccurate analytical frameworks,” the source commented.
Challenging the ‘40% Threshold’ Narrative
Kim Ou-joon had previously argued on his YouTube channel that an approval rating of 40% represents a “psychological red line” and that “looking at past presidential approval ratings, no president has recovered after their rating dropped into the 30s.”
Lee Hae-sik, a lawmaker aligned with the pro-Moon faction, echoed similar sentiments the previous day, stating that approval ratings had rebounded even during the administrations of Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung, and Park Geun-hye when they fell below 30%. He called for unity, saying, “Let’s all work together.”
Democratic Party Launches New Media Platform
In a related development, the Democratic Party announced the expansion and rebranding of its official YouTube channel to ‘Minjoo TV’. The first broadcast is scheduled for September 1st, coinciding with the start time of Kim Ou-joon’s YouTube channel, raising questions about potential competition.
Some within the party interpret this move as an effort to regain control over messaging and reduce reliance on pro-Moon YouTube channels, which have often featured Democratic lawmakers. However, Kim Nam-joon, head of the party’s public relations committee, clarified the platform’s objective.
“We are aiming for ‘Open TV,’ an open content platform that encompasses progressive and moderate progressives,” Kim explained. He emphasized that the initiative is not intended to compete with existing popular progressive channels but rather to foster collaboration. “We aim to create a healthy and high-quality public discourse ecosystem where diverse viewpoints can coexist through mutual support and cooperation,” he added.
Pilot Broadcasts and Future Schedule
The Democratic Party plans to conduct four pilot broadcasts of Minjoo TV, starting on September 1st, with subsequent episodes on the 3rd, 8th, and 10th. The goal is to commence regular weekly broadcasts five days a week starting September 14th.
This strategic move by the Democratic Party highlights an internal effort to shape public perception and manage the narrative surrounding the administration’s performance, particularly in the face of potentially challenging approval ratings. By establishing its own platform, the party aims to directly communicate its message and foster a more controlled media environment for political discourse.
