Rhyu Si-min criticizes President Lee Jae-myung's leadership

Writer Rhyu Si-min has launched a series of sharp criticisms against President Lee Jae-myung, accusing him of behaving like an “arrogant ruler” and steering the Democratic Party toward a “monarchy or aristocracy.” During a recent YouTube broadcast, Rhyu argued that the President’s perceived attempt to hand-pick and influence the election of the party leader undermines republican principles.

Rhyu further compared the current administration to the previous Yoon Suk-yeol government, suggesting that the President is dismantling his own political coalition and losing the support of half the party members following the recent convention. He predicted that President Lee’s approval ratings could drop into the 30% range as the initial support from the convention period fades.

These remarks have triggered intense backlash from pro-Lee factions within the Democratic Party. Lawmakers and officials have condemned Rhyu’s comments as “insulting,” “malicious,” and “divisive,” with some accusing him of acting more like a “shaman” than a political commentator. While some party members called for him to exercise restraint, others defended his right to express personal opinions as a critic.