What should come before Na Kyung-won's protest is the genuine reflection of the People Power Party.

The sit-in of Na Kyung-won begins

Lawmaker Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party began an indefinite sit-in protest in the National Assembly on June 27. His justification is the demand for the withdrawal of the nomination of Kim Min-seok as Prime Minister and the return of the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to the opposition. He set up his position in the National Assembly's rotunda, stating it was a “minimal resistance to prevent the Democratic Party's rampage,” and some other lawmakers joined him, making the issue more prominent. However, there are doubts about whether this protest can truly move the hearts of the people. This sit-in, which has little practical political effect, raises questions about the direction the People Power Party should be looking toward. More important than formal protests is self-reflection and genuine renewal. What the People Power Party needs now is not a sit-in protest, but a contemplation of political failures over the years and a responsible attitude before the public.

Lack of Political Symbolism and Practicality

The sit-in by lawmaker Na Kyung-won is a familiar scene in Korean politics. In the past, extreme forms of protest such as overnight sit-ins, head shaving, and hunger strikes have been used as means to strengthen political messages, regardless of the ruling or opposition parties. However, for such actions to be effective, two conditions must be met. One is justification, and the other is a feasible means of political pressure. Currently, the claims made by lawmaker Na concern issues that have already been decided politically. The nomination of Prime Minister Kim Min-seok falls under the president's personnel authority, and the election of the standing committee chair has already been processed in a plenary session as the prerogative of the majority party in the National Assembly. A re-discussion or withdrawal of these matters is realistically hard to expect. Furthermore, Na's standing within the party has diminished compared to the past. He is not affiliated with the floor leadership or the party leadership, and this sit-in seems closer to a personal political act rather than a strategic movement for the party as a whole. Without official support from the leadership or organized action, it is difficult to create significant political impact with only symbolic participation from some lawmakers. Ultimately, this sit-in appears to be more of a motion to strengthen Na's individual political standing or to secure his presence. Most importantly, as it has not garnered public interest and empathy, this struggle strongly conveys a message of political isolation. The majority of the public places greater value on livelihoods and future visions over the political power struggles within the political realm. Symbolic protests that fail to form substantial consensus will not draw public support and may rather heighten feelings of fatigue.

The true reflection of the People's Power party is necessary.

The more important question than Representative Na Kyung-won’s sit-in is why the People Power Party has lost the trust of the people. Criticizing only the current opposition's dominance while ignoring this issue is merely evading responsibility. The People Power Party, as a former ruling party and currently as an opposition party, has repeatedly faced national disappointment due to various policy failures and political misjudgments. The most representative problem is the excessive dependence on and politicization of the prosecution. Since the inception of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, the People Power Party has essentially positioned itself as a partner in the presidential and prosecution-centered governance. During the tenure of Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, the monopolization of prosecution appointments, the maintenance of investigative authority, and the revision of enforcement decrees that risked conflict with the Ministry of Legislation triggered criticism of a 'prosecutorial republic.' Rather than curbing this, the People Power Party defended it and neglected the role of politics to correct the concentration of power. Real estate policy is also a representative area where failures have been repeated. The policy centered on 'deregulation,' which was touted as a lesson from the Moon Jae-in government’s policies, has rather reinforced a structure favorable to multi-homeowners. With the easing of loan regulations, reduction of comprehensive real estate tax, and lifting of price ceilings on new housing, housing prices in the metropolitan area rebounded, and the younger generation and working-class individuals without homes suffered actual damage. While the issues of rental scams and 'empty house rent' spread nationwide, the People Power Party failed to respond systematically. Whether as the ruling party or now as the opposition, it has shown a lukewarm attitude towards post-measures and responsible legislation. Labor and education policies have revealed even more serious confusion. In particular, the controversy over the '69-hour workweek' faced harsh criticism not only from the younger generation but also within conservative circles. Despite the government formally retracting it amid criticism that it favored corporate convenience over worker protection, the People Power Party has not properly organized this issue or proposed measures to prevent its recurrence. In the education sector, the plan to push for entrance into elementary school at age 5 was scrapped in just three days, clearly revealing hasty policy decisions and a lack of execution capability. Such confusion is not merely a problem of the government but a collective failure that the People Power Party must also take responsibility for.

We must first persuade and reflect before the public.

The People Power Party is currently in opposition, but cannot evade its responsibilities as a former ruling party. The public desires not just simple opposition from the opposition parties, but alternatives and visions. The framing of the current confrontation with the ruling party merely as a 'struggle' is losing its persuasive power. To point out the issues of the ruling party, one must first reflect on their own problems. This is not only a matter of political ethics but also a prerequisite for restoring public trust. Additionally, it is important to listen to criticisms that the internal democratic structure of the party has collapsed. The failure to adjust distance from President Yoon Seok-yeol and the solidification of a structure that follows without criticism have led to claims that the party has degenerated into a 'presidential loyalist group.' A structure where various voices cannot be heard even within the leadership is weakening the party's capacity for innovation. If internal criticism and debate are not activated, no renewal can genuinely reach the public. Above all, it must move away from image-centered politics. Strong messages and provocative slogans, like those from Representative Na Kyung-won’s sit-in protest, may attract media attention but do not significantly influence the public's everyday judgment criteria. The public wants politics to address issues of survival, future concerns, and fair opportunities. The People Power Party must persuade the public with policies rather than slogans, and with substance rather than just justification.

Conclusion: Authenticity is Required

The sit-in protest by lawmaker Na Gyeong-won undoubtedly carries a significant symbolism. However, whether it will lead to the restoration of public trust is highly questionable. The current People Power Party is repeating its attempts to cover up the past instead of reflecting on its previous mistakes. What is needed before political struggles is a responsible apology and a commitment to change. A protest can be initiated at any time, but regaining the trust of the people is much more difficult. Politics is a service to the public, and before expressing the people's anger, it is essential to first look for the causes within oneself. For the People Power Party to truly be reborn, it must first bow its head. The sit-in protest comes after that. Right now, the public is looking for attitude over words, and sincerity over slogans. Whether the People Power Party can meet those expectations depends on its future choices and actions.