In South Korea, the ruling People Power Party is facing criticism for its inability to distance itself from former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment on charges related to insurrection. Many within the party feel that the senior lawmakers are largely to blame for the current state of disarray, as they choose to remain silent rather than speak out against Yoon’s influence and the party’s alignment with radical supporters. This prompted accusations that the party has become stagnant, akin to a bear hibernating through winter, as expressed by lawmaker Park Jeong-ha in a recent radio interview.

During a recent party caucus, expectations arose for senior members to voice their dissenting views, but they remained largely silent, causing frustration among both members and constituents. The sensational public backlash expected against the party's leadership did not materialize, with many lawmakers opting to observe rather than engage, particularly those from the Yeongnam region. This inaction was highlighted after congress members recognized the potential fallout from speaking out against the party’s current direction and leadership, suggesting a reluctance to disturb the balance of power that could jeopardize their future electoral chances.

As the local elections await approaching in June, many party members who wish to secure their candidacies face a political dilemma. With the volatility of party leadership and their potential sway over nominations, many lawmakers feel trapped in a cycle of silence. They recognize the issues at hand but feel powerless to forge a collective response or promote alternative leadership due to lack of consensus and unified direction within the party itself, leading to inaction during a crucial political period.