The political power struggle took center stage this weekend as the People Power Party launched nationwide outdoor rallies against the Lee Jae Myung administration. The introduction of these rallies during this political power struggle increased tensions ahead of the martial law anniversary.
The campaign began Saturday under the title National Rally for Restoring Livelihoods and Defending the Rule of Law. Party leaders scheduled the tour to gain control of the public narrative before the Democratic Party highlights the martial law issue. The rallies will continue until Dec. 2 and exclude strong liberal regions such as North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Gwangju.
Party leadership opened the tour in Busan and Ulsan to energize conservative voters. At each stop, speakers accused the Lee administration of damaging livelihoods and weakening the judicial system. Their messaging repeatedly emphasized a political power struggle shaping the national conversation.
Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok sharply criticized Lee Jae Myung during a rally in Changwon on Sunday. He claimed that Lee wants to destroy the Prosecutors’ Office because prosecutors investigated him for corruption. Jang also argued that the prosecution’s dropped appeal in the Daejang-dong case prevents the recovery of 780 billion won in illicit gains. He said only 47.3 billion won now remains eligible for recovery under the court ruling.
The People Power Party also attacked the government’s new Task Force on Constitutional Compliance and Government Innovation. The task force intends to investigate public officials who participated in the martial law scheme. Party spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon claimed the task force threatens government operations by turning officials against each other.
The Democratic Party issued immediate responses to the rallies over the weekend. Party Chair Jung Chung-rae accused the People Power Party of supporting Yoon Suk Yeol instead of addressing public concerns. He said the rallies reflect loyalty to Yoon rather than interest in policymaking or economic issues.
Democratic Party spokesperson Baek Seung-ah defended the task force during a separate statement on Saturday. She said the investigation protects the Constitution and holds officials accountable for insurrection attempts. She argued that the nation must resolve responsibility to safeguard democracy.
Political analysts expect both parties to escalate rhetoric as the martial law anniversary approaches. Public opinion and turnout at the rallies may influence momentum heading into the new political season. The political power struggle now appears ready to shape South Korea’s national agenda through the end of the year.
