Why President Moon Jae-In's Democratic Party Achieved a Landslide Victory in South Korea's 2020 Legislative Elections

In the 2020 South Korean National Assembly Election, the Democratic Party and its affiliates claimed a staggering 183 out of 300 seats. This victory marked the party's greatest success since 2004 when Ryumuyun, the late President Roh Moo-hyun's party, won 152 seats. The main opposition party, United Future Party, gained 108 seats, including independent winners who withdrew from the party due to a lack of nominations. Various factors contributed to the overwhelming victory for President Moon Jae-In's party. This article delves into these factors to better understand why the Democratic Party secured such a strong mandate.

Partisan Controversies and Internal Strife in United Future Party

The United Future Party (UFP) created significant controversy among its supporters when it expelled two of its own candidates. This move was particularly controversial when the party's leader, Hwang Gyo-an, expelled Cha Myeong-jin for sharing news about the sex scandal of anti-Park Geun-hye protesters in 2014. This action led to strong criticism from hardline conservatives, who are among UFP's most dedicated supporters. Many of these supporters view Moon Jae-In with disdain and have strong ties to the Park Geun-hye administration.

The Disappointment of Young Voters

Young voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate, were largely disappointed with both the current government and the opposition. Many felt disillusioned by the political environment and, as a result, did not vote or opted to support other parties. This demographic shift played a crucial role in the Democratic Party's victory, as it managed to capture the support of the younger generation, which is often overlooked in South Korean politics.

Right-Wing Disillusionment with United Future Party

While it's true that parts of the rightward-leaning voter base supported the United Future Party, many liberal right-wingers who support a market economy but oppose authoritarianism did not rally behind UFP. These liberal conservatives, though uncommon in South Korea, are increasingly forming their own communities. The Democratic Party's message resonated with these voters, who were looking for a more balanced and progressive approach to governance.

Youth Concerns About Military Service

Another significant factor was the concern among some young males regarding potential changes to military service. Young men feared that a UFP victory might result in stricter regulations, such as the possible re-imposition of stricter restrictions on the use of cellphones by conscripts or an extension of the military service term from 18 to 21 months. The Democratic Party managed to assuage these concerns, further solidifying their support among young voters.

The Role of the Pandemic and Government's Handling

Ironically, the South Korean government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a key factor in the Democratic Party's victory. In times of urgent international threats, such as a pandemic, it is common for the public to rally behind the acting government. President Moon's decisive measures and effective pandemic response were widely appreciated by the public, who saw this as a sign of sound leadership.

Before the pandemic, President Moon had faced criticism for his handling of the economic depression in South Korea and for yielding too much in the ongoing dispute with North Korea. However, these concerns were overshadowed by the pandemic, and the government's response became the dominant narrative.

Conclusion

The 2020 South Korean National Assembly Election was a complex affair, influenced by a range of factors. The Democratic Party's landslide victory can be attributed to internal strife within the opposition, the disappointment of young voters, the ideological leanings of the right-wing electorate, and the government's effective response to the pandemic. These factors, collectively, contributed to a significant victory for President Moon Jae-In and his party.

For future elections, it is important to understand these dynamics and the potential shifts in public opinion to gauge the political landscape in South Korea. As South Korea continues to navigate challenges such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the success or failure of the government will likely continue to shape the outcome of upcoming legislative elections.