South Korea’s Conservative Party Faces Reckoning After Election Loss

South Korea’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) is in turmoil after a crushing defeat in the snap presidential election, where Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung secured a decisive 49.42% of the vote. Former labor minister and PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo garnered 41.15%, while Lee Jun-seok of the minor Reform Party gained 8.34%, splitting the right-wing vote.

The loss follows former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law in December, which led to his impeachment and deepened public distrust in the right. PPP lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong resigned, urging a total overhaul of the party. “This was a reprimand for our division and failure,” he admitted.

Lee Jun-seok, once PPP leader and key to Yoon’s 2022 victory, criticized the party for prioritizing unity over real reform. Internal clashes, including a legal feud between Kim and former acting president Han Duck-soo, further fractured the conservative bloc.

Analysts point to the PPP’s failure to distance itself from Yoon’s authoritarian missteps and far-right elements. “Moderate voters were alienated,” said political commentator Park Sangbyoung, calling for the party’s complete reinvention to remain relevant in Korean politics.

PPP figures like Han Dong-hoon stress the need to cooperate with the new liberal government on the economy and security, while still opposing what they claim are Democratic efforts to weaken judicial independence amid corruption allegations against President Lee.

Political experts warn that unless the PPP rebuilds on democratic and public-centered values, its credibility will continue to erode. “The crisis isn’t just for conservatives—it’s a collapse of leadership driven by self-interest,” said Myongji University’s Shin Yul.

Lawmaker Park Jeong-hoon summarized the urgency: “We must tear down our house and rebuild it. This is about survival.”