People Power Party Launches All-Out Offensive Against Lee Jae-myung

Ahead of the June 3 local elections, the People Power Party (PPP) is escalating its attacks on Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, calling the elections a final opportunity to hold him accountable for alleged "dictatorial tendencies" and "economic devastation." The PPP leadership has sharply criticized Lee, attributing the current economic hardships, including soaring inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates, to his policy failures.

Jang Dong-hyuk, standing election committee co-chair, described Lee's push for a special prosecutor to drop his ongoing trials as a "dictatorial concept that undermines the constitutional order," emphasizing that the local elections are a chance to protect democracy. Jang labeled Democratic Party candidates as "accomplices to Lee Jae-myung's dictatorship" and pointed to alleged cases of unsuitability among local DP candidates to highlight their lack of integrity.

PPP candidates are campaigning by promoting their proven track records as "competent workers whose capabilities have already been verified," focusing on individual strengths in their respective districts. They argued that government interference in citizens' minor daily choices, such as selecting a cup of coffee, represents a facet of "politics of fear." Concerns were raised that if the current administration wins the local elections, it might eventually interfere even with the freedom to breathe.

The party urged voters to take action through their ballots, warning that remaining silent in the face of the Lee administration's perceived overreach and arrogance would normalize such behavior. Jang implored citizens to cast their votes for the PPP in this election to pass down a country where freedom is a given to their children.

The PPP visited the site of the Seoul Seosomun overpass collapse to mourn the victims and underscored their commitment as a responsible party dedicated to a safe South Korea. Following the site visit, co-chair Jang Dong-hyuk canceled some of his scheduled campaign rallies to conclude his day by offering prayers for public safety.