After controversial allegations of a supposed deal involving dropping charges in exchange for judicial reform were made on broadcaster Kim Eo-jun's YouTube channel, there is a growing sentiment within South Korea's ruling Democratic Party to distance themselves from his broadcasts. Key figures within the party have expressed that while formal guidance from the party leadership regarding appearances on Kim's show may not be possible, there is a consensus that those frequently appearing on it should voluntarily refrain from doing so, particularly as the claims have significantly impacted public perception of President Lee Jae-myung and the party as a whole.

The controversy has led to a notable decline in subscriptions to Kim's YouTube channel, dropping from 2.28 million to 2.26 million in just a few days—similar to patterns observed during past political controversies. Party insiders are calling for a reevaluation of Kim's influence, suggesting that his sizeable sway has become excessive, drawing direct comparisons to a 'Chungjeongno President', a term indicating undue dominance over the party's image and strategy. As a result, some Democratic Party members are indicating that Kim's role in shaping the party's narrative might need to be curtailed.

Furthermore, allegations are surfacing that Kim is stoking internal divisions within the party, positioning himself in line with certain factions ahead of the upcoming party congress in August. His recent actions, including included a high-profile figure in polling for the mayoral candidacy against the expressed wishes of key party leaders, have been interpreted as politically motivated. In previous instances, his broadcasts have played substantial roles in influencing party leadership results, raising concerns about his impact on the party's cohesion and strategy amidst critical times.