The recent setback for the People Power Party (PPP) in South Korea's general election has been attributed to President Yoon Suk Yeol's leadership style, which is characterized by a tendency to make decisions based on what he deems right rather than considering public sentiment. Yoon's actions, influenced by his background as a prosecutor, have been criticized for being unilateral and out of touch with the concerns of the electorate. This lack of communication with the people has led to a growing perception that Yoon is disconnected from the general public.

One of the contentious issues during Yoon's administration has been the handling of lawsuits related to former wartime requisitioned workers from the Korean Peninsula in Japan-South Korea relations. Yoon's announcement of a solution that did not necessitate Japanese compensation in March last year, despite public opposition, further fueled criticism of his leadership. This approach, along with subsequent decisions such as appointing a controversial figure as South Korean ambassador to Australia amidst abuse of power allegations, has alienated voters and contributed to the PPP's declining support.

The conflict between Yoon and the medical community over the government's plan to increase medical school admissions has also highlighted the president's challenges in bridging divides. A meeting with doctors' representatives on the eve of early voting failed to yield a significant compromise, disappointing PPP officials and reinforcing concerns about Yoon's inability to navigate contentious issues effectively. Opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party, have seized on Yoon's perceived leadership shortcomings, portraying him as unresponsive to public concerns and emphasizing the need for a change in direction.