PPP presidential hopefuls fight for attention amid internal power struggle

Han Dong-hoon, the ruling People Power Party's former interim leader, delivers a statement after the party's defeat in the April 10 general elections during a press conference at the PPP's headquarters in Seoul, April 11. Joint Press Corps

A power struggle between major presidential contenders in the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is deepening, with many of them picking fights and criticizing the government’s policy on regulating foreign e-commerce companies more stringently.

Last week, the government announced its plan to prohibit consumers from making purchases on foreign e-commerce platforms of goods in 80 product categories that do not have a Korea Certification (KC) safety mark. However, the move has been met with broad criticism, with the PPP denouncing the Yoon Suk Yeol administration for not conducting extensive consultations. As a result, the government made a U-turn regarding the policy over the weekend and the presidential office issued an apology on Monday for causing confusion.

Former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min called the government’s decision to unilaterally ban overseas direct purchases an “ignorant” policy. “The government's policy to ban direct overseas purchases of 80 product categories without the KC mark is like burning a whole house to catch bedbugs,” he wrote on Facebook, Saturday.

Former interim leader Han Dong-hoon also wrote on Facebook, Saturday, that the regulation “should be reconsidered because it excessively limits a consumer's right to choose."

"If the KC mark becomes a mandatory requirement, it will constitute excessive regulation affecting a broad range of products based on vague criteria," he said.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon speaks during a briefing at Seoul City Hall, Monday. Yonhap

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, another potential candidate for the presidential election who is perceived to be in the pro-Yoon faction, refuted their criticisms and defended the government’s measure to protect the public and homegrown e-commerce companies.

“We should never compromise on our citizens’ safety and corporate protection. It is regrettable to see ruling party members pointing out policy problems when we have to thoroughly examine issues that lie in front of us,” he wrote on Facebook, Monday.

Political commentators said the “framing war” and “power struggle” between the presidential contenders of the PPP has started.

“The amateurish policymaking has fueled the political battle. Yoon’s innovation and reform efforts have been used up. So presidential contenders need to make moves to garner attention and distinguish themselves from the current administration. For those in the non-Yoon faction, it’s easier to criticize the government’s policy efforts whereas for the pro-Yoon faction, they can only point out one’s behaviors or gestures,” political commentator Park Sang-byeong said.

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, who has railed against Han, once again lashed out at him, threatening to leave the party if Han decides to return to the party's leadership.

Political watchers believe the power struggle will escalate in the future due to the PPP’s setback following the April 10 general elections.

“The political battle will only get fiercer in the future. If Yoon’s power wanes everybody would want to take a different path and distinguish themselves from the president,” Park said.