Power struggles, unlikely alliances, and election surprises — Ep. 10

This week on The Korea Pro Podcast, we begin by examining the evolving relationship between President Yoon Suk-yeol and People Power Party interim leader Han Dong-hoon. Their alternating displays of political partnership and discord, particularly over the controversial nomination of former defense minister Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia and a presidential aide’s inappropriate sense of humor, have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension in their alliance.

On the progressive front, we discuss how Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung appears to have been caught off guard by the sudden rise in popularity of former justice minister Cho Kuk, potentially complicating their alliance and respective presidential aspirations.

Next, we shift our focus to Youngdeungpo, a district in Seoul often compared to Brooklyn, which has unexpectedly become a battleground in the upcoming general elections. We analyze President Yoon’s ambitious but possibly unrealistic urban renewal proposal for the district and whether or not it might have an impact on the race.

About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday.

This episode was recorded on March 21, 2024. 

Audio edited by Joe Smith