[Anchor]
Let's delve deeper into the remaining questions with political reporter Go Jeong-hyeon.
Q. Any mention regarding "Yong Hye-in's resignation"?
[Reporter Go Jeong-hyeon : Democratic Party Representative Kim Min-seok made some remarks during a high-level party-government meeting held this afternoon (September 13), following lawmaker Yong Hye-in's resignation from her candidacy. Let's listen to it first.]
[Kim Min-seok / Representative, Democratic Party : We will further accelerate discussions on solidarity and political reform with lawmaker Yong Hye-in, who has resigned from her candidacy, as well as progressive forces such as the Basic Income Party...]
[Reporter Go Jeong-hyeon : In effect, he is soothing them by saying that Yong and the Basic Income Party remain targets for solidarity, thereby cutting off any escalating conflict stemming from calls for her resignation. This is also interpreted as being connected to the ruling bloc's stance—facing a recent drop in the president's approval ratings—of looking after its traditional progressive support base.]
Q. What is the background behind the "change" over three days?
[Reporter Go Jeong-hyeon : Yes, it is understood that the ruling party was quite shaken by the press conference three days ago, which the Cheong Wa Dae was reportedly also known to have dissuaded. On the day of the press conference, the Democratic Party did not release any official commentary. A day later, the day before yesterday, it said, "We will view this sternly from the public's eye level," and yesterday, the tone of its remarks grew increasingly high, stating, "Public opinion among the youth generation is boiling over" and "We cannot just sit idly by." A Democratic Party official stated, "Due to the responses from the Basic Income Party and the candidate, the issue was not resolved but rather further highlighted," adding, "With the date for the confirmation hearing not yet finalized and Chuseok approaching, it is the result of serious deliberation." Analysts suggest that worsening public opinion—such as a Gallup Korea poll from two days ago showing that 61% responded Yong is unfit for the cabinet post, which is 14 percentage points higher than former ministerial candidate Lee Hye-hoon last January—was also a factor that moved the Democratic Party leadership.]
Q. What is Cheong Wa Dae's stance?
[Reporter Go Jeong-hyeon : Yes. As a result, it is understood that the personnel controversy had a significant impact on the decline in the president's approval rating. In the Gallup poll from two days ago, the approval rating for state affairs stood at 38%, marking the first time it fell into the 30% range and reaching its lowest point since taking office. In this survey, responses citing personnel affairs as the reason for negative evaluations steadily increased, and the approval rating for state affairs in Seoul dropped to 29%. Because of this, ruling bloc officials analyze that Cheong Wa Dae's intentions were effectively reflected in the ruling party's urging of her resignation. However, there is a clear current in both the party and government to protect Justice Minister candidate Kim Seung-won until the end, making the public's reaction following the confirmation hearing the day after tomorrow a point of keen attention.]
(Video Editing: Lee Hong-myung, Design: Cho Su-in)
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