On March 21, 2025, Kwon Seong-dong, the leader of the People Power Party, unveiled a book titled Lee Jae-myung's Collection of False Statements - 138 Grotesque Painters of Lee Jae-myung, aiming to expose what he described as the problematic remarks of Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party. However, instead of discrediting Lee, the release has sparked an unexpected wave of support from his advocates.
In the book, Kwon compiled 138 statements made by Lee throughout his political career, distinguishing them into various categories. Kwon claimed that when these statements are viewed together, they reveal contradictions and a potentially dangerous distortion of the foundations of South Korea. “This is a book compiling statements from Lee Jae-myung that could potentially reveal a dangerous distortion of the Republic of Korea's foundations,” Kwon noted, emphasizing an intent to inform the public about what he perceives as the risks associated with Lee’s political rhetoric.
However, the reception to Kwon's efforts has not gone as planned. Park Kyung-mi, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party, expressed her views on the issue during a written briefing, stating, “It’s more like a collection of promotional material for Lee Jae-myung.” She argued that rather than showcasing Lee’s alleged falsehoods, the book instead reveals his genuine thoughts and ideas, making it a valuable resource for understanding his vision for the country. “The statements labeled as false are actually helpful in understanding Lee Jae-myung's passion and vision for the Republic of Korea,” Park added.
Ahn Gyu-baek, another spokesperson for the Democratic Party, also contributed to the discourse surrounding the book by posting on social media, thanking Kwon for inadvertently creating what they referred to as a “Collection of Truthful Statements”. Supporters of Lee are actively sharing the book online, with many modifying its title, suggesting that this collection might even convert some of Lee’s anti-fans into advocates. “Thank you for making Lee Jae-myung's collection of truthful statements,” Ahn tweeted, signaling the narrative shift unfolding among supporters.
The book includes statements from Lee advocating for policies such as reduced working hours, a four-day workweek, and legal protection for a workers' right to collective action, among others. Quotes from Lee, such as, “We must create a legitimate strike protection law that guarantees the right to collective action for workers, a basic constitutional right,” and “Amateurish and dirty populism that seeks to gain political benefits is a path to destroying the nation,” have been highlighted for their relevance in current political discussions.
On various online platforms, discussions have emerged that framed Kwon’s initiative as counterproductive, with critics arguing that the collection’s inclusion of seemingly innocuous statements undermines its intended effect. “The statements labeled as false statements are actually a collection that highlights Lee’s vision,” another Democratic Party supporter remarked, underscoring how words intended to harm have instead acted as a vehicle for promotion.
As discussions evolve, reactions from within the People Power Party have also been mixed. Some party members have expressed frustration over the backlash, with calls among supporters to retract the book. Online commenters have noted, “Why does Kwon not realize he is boosting Lee Jae-myung’s profile instead?” pointing to the unexpected effects of the publication. In a broader sense, Park criticized the Party’s focus, implying that they were acting as ardent supporters rather than opponents. “Is the People Power Party a fan of Lee Jae-myung, fixated on attacking the opposition party leader instead of addressing national issues?” she questioned.
This situation illuminates a profound aspect of South Korean political discourse. The backlash against the ‘Collection of False Statements’ shows how statements that can be marked as controversial may find a different interpretation when taken as a whole, contextually shifting meaning from disparagement to endorsement. With the upcoming electoral stakes, the unintended consequences of Kwon Seong-dong’s efforts serve not only to bolster Lee Jae-myung's standing among his base but also to highlight the complexities of political communication and perception.
What started as an attempt at defamation may end up invigorating a political figure seen as a challenger for future leadership roles. This incident underscores the necessity for political strategists to consider how framing and context can alter public perception, sometimes in ways that entirely contravene their original intent.
