PPP drops ‘pro-NK forces’ banner plan

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) swiftly retracted its plan to display political banners likening its rival Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) to “pro-North Korean forces” Tuesday, following concerns among some of its members that its campaign tactic would not resonate with voters.

The about-face occurred less than a day after Rep. Yun Jae-ok, the party’s floor leader, ordered local party offices to hang banners reading “We should no longer let our country be led by criminals and pro-North Korean forces” on Monday evening.

The message targets the main opposition DPK, as the PPP has been accusing the party of aligning with radical pro-North Korean groups in its nomination for proportional representation candidates.

So far, the PPP has employed a positive electoral strategy, emphasizing the promotion of its own policy visions rather than attacking its rivals. The decision to hang banners referencing pro-North Korean forces came as the ruling party senses a risk due to declining approval ratings.

These banners were intended to be displayed on streets nationwide until Thursday, when the official two-week campaign period for the April 10 parliamentary elections begin. Under the Public Official Election Act, it is illegal to hang political ads during this period.

However, some PPP candidates, especially those contesting for constituencies in Seoul and surrounding regions, have reportedly expressed concerns that negative ad campaigns could trigger a public backlash. Some argued that the old tactic of ideological framing might not resonate with swing voters.

“I think it is true that the DPK is attempting to allow forces that threaten democracy to enter the National Assembly,” said Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, who manages the PPP’s election campaign committee, Tuesday afternoon.