Still stuck in the myth of Lee Jae-myung

If they continue to cling to Lee, it the same as being obsessed with a false faith.

HEO JINThe author is a political news reporter of the JoongAng Ilbo. There are two types of people in Yeouido these days. Those who believe in Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party (DP), and those who do not.

The pro-Lee group and the “reform daughters,” a civilian group of Lee aficionados, have followed him for a long time. But what is unusual is that Lee even has followers in the governing People Power Party (PPP).

They have blind faith that “Lee will nominate candidates for the next parliamentary elections even if he goes to prison” and “As long as Lee holds out, we will win.” Of course, the direction of faith is the opposite for the two groups, but both sides are the same in that they are happy with Lee alive and well.

The faith in Lee of the pro-Lee politicians and the “reform daughters” will not change given their conviction. What’s truly strange is the belief in Lee among the PPP. If I make a comparison, they are like the students who don’t study and pray for others to mess up the exam.

Even if Lee holds out as they believe, it does not guarantee the victory of the PPP. In fact, from the last presidential election, a majority of PPP supporters and a number of the moderates know that Lee was involved in “various criminal allegations” against him. The so-called “Lee Jae-myung risk” was already reflected in the public opinion. Most of the allegations have already been covered in the media during the last presidential election.

Even if something new comes up, it will be a just a déjà vu. Even if Lee is cleared of the charges, Lee’s image will not change much among the moderates.

Nevertheless, why doesn’t the PPP’s belief on Lee subside? This is close to a defense mechanism. To avoid the unacceptable possibility of a “general election defeat” next April, the PPP wants to have a peace of mind by imagining Lee “holding out till the end.”

Just imagine that Lee is missing in today’s politics. Most of the topics the PPP leadership can raise their voice on will disappear, not to mention a lack of materials for attacks by the spokesperson.

The National Assembly without Lee is approaching gradually. If the situation is like this, the PPP must face reality. Ahead of the next parliamentary election in April, it must demonstrate its ability to win the hearts of voters. If they continue to cling to Lee, it the same as being obsessed with a false faith.