South Korean Opposition Leader Criticizes Government Policies

South Korea's conservative opposition leader met foreign reporters in Seoul on Friday and criticized the current government over its policies toward the United States, the judiciary and proposed legislation. The opposition leader stated that his party has severely limited ability to influence events.

The criticism came after the ruling party gained control of both the presidential office and the single-chamber National Assembly. This followed the impeachment, trial and life sentence of the former conservative president after a 2024 martial law declaration that included deployment of commandos to the National Assembly.

The opposition party remains divided in the aftermath of those events. It holds no lever of power in the current political structure. Public opinion polls indicate the opposition will face further losses in local elections for governors and mayors scheduled for June 3.

A May 7 poll showed national support for the opposition party at 18 percent, compared with 48 percent for the ruling party. A separate poll released on Thursday showed the current president's approval rating at 68 percent. That figure is one percentage point below his record high of 69 percent recorded in March.

The current president took office following a snap election in June 2025. South Korea's stock markets have reached repeated record highs during his tenure despite an ongoing oil shock.

The opposition leader, a former judge, was among 18 opposition lawmakers who voted against the 2024 martial law declaration. He faces internal party divisions and limited tools to challenge the ruling party's agenda on strategic, legal and legislative matters.

The National Assembly passed legislation in March 2026 to implement hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. investments. Joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States continued in March 2026, including river-crossing drills involving drones and soldiers.

The opposition leader's criticisms focused on what he described as the government's shift away from its alliance with the United States, risks to judicial independence and promotion of legislation he views as unconstitutional. His party currently lacks the votes to block such measures in the legislature.