South Korea’s main opposition People Power Party is struggling to convert a membership surge into broader public support ahead of local elections. The membership surge has raised internal questions about whether the party’s strategy resonates beyond its core base.
Although party leaders point to rising numbers of dues-paying members, opinion polls show widening gaps with the ruling Democratic Party. According to a Realmeter survey released Monday, the Democratic Party recorded 45.8 percent approval, while the People Power Party trailed at 34.6 percent. Consequently, the gap expanded to 11.2 percentage points.
The survey followed the resignation of former oceans minister Jeon Jae-soo over bribery allegations tied to the Unification Church. However, instead of benefiting the opposition, Democratic Party support increased 1.6 points, while conservative approval declined 2.4 points. As a result, doubts have intensified over the opposition’s political direction.
Many party lawmakers now question whether mobilizing loyal supporters alone can attract moderate voters. Third-term lawmaker Yoon Han-hong warned that the growing influence of hard-line supporters risks narrowing the party’s image. Moreover, he cautioned that aggressive attacks on the government could alienate centrist voters.
Similarly, Rep. Kwon Young-jin, a former Daegu mayor, warned the party would lose most major races if elections occurred immediately. Therefore, concerns have spread even within traditionally conservative regions once considered safe.
Despite internal criticism, party leaders continue defending their strategy by highlighting the membership surge. Party figures say membership rebounded from about 700,000 after former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration to roughly 960,000 recently. Consequently, leaders argue organizational strength has recovered significantly.
The party also plans to increase the voting weight of dues-paying members in candidate primaries to as high as 70 percent. However, critics warn the change could discourage broadly appealing candidates from entering races. As a result, concerns persist about shrinking electoral competitiveness.
Professor Choi Chang-ryeol of Yongin University said stronger supporter influence may undermine broader appeal. Therefore, he argued, internal unity could come at the cost of national electability.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party has intensified criticism of the Democratic Party over alleged links to the Unification Church. Additionally, party chair Jang Dong-hyeok said the opposition would pursue a special counsel investigation alongside the New Reform Party.
However, prospects for a broader alliance remain limited. New Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok ruled out electoral coordination, while People Power Party officials dismissed forced political integration.
At the same time, internal debate has intensified over ties to former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Former innovation committee chair Yoon Hee-sook warned that unresolved responsibility threatens the party’s future.
Looking ahead, analysts say the membership surge alone may not reverse declining public support. Without broader voter outreach, the party faces mounting challenges before upcoming local elections.
