South Korea’s Ruling Party Sharpens Critique of Opposition’s Beijing-Friendly Stance Ahead of Elections

Competition for parliamentary seats has intensified following an incendiary campaign stop by the Democratic Party’s leader.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol (C) gives three cheers during a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement Day in Seoul, on March 1, 2024. Kim Hong-Ji/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Ahead of South Korea’s parliamentary elections, the political arena is witnessing heightened tensions, underscored by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration’s rivalry with the dominant opposition party. The focal point of the contention is the recent Beijing-friendly statements made by the opposition leader, sparking a heated debate over South Korea’s stance on China.

The forthcoming 22nd parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 10, are anticipated to be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the legislative landscape and influencing the Yoon administration’s governance strategy.