Seoul: The chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Lee, has been sentenced to one year in prison for election law violations, though the sentence has been suspended for two years. If the Supreme Court upholds the ruling by the Seoul Central District Court, Lee stands to lose his parliamentary seat and will be barred from contesting the next presidential election. According to Yonhap News Agency, the fate of Lee's political career is uncertain as the appeals court and potentially the Supreme Court will review the district court's decision. If the ruling is upheld, it will significantly impact the DPK, leaving the party without a leader and potentially altering its future direction. Lee's legal challenges are far from over, even if he avoids the harshest consequences. The district court will rule on November 25 regarding his alleged involvement in coerced confessions. He also faces trials in two significant cases: one related to a corruption-ridden land development scandal in Seongnam City, where he was previously mayor, and another involving accusations of accepting an $8 million bribe from SWB Inc. The recent ruling serves as a crucial wake-up call for the DPK. The party's recent actions, including weekend rallies on November 2 and 9 in central Seoul, have been criticized by the public. These rallies were intended to pressurize President Yoon Suk Yeol and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to support a special counsel to investigate allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee. However, the PPP accused the DPK of attempting to influence the judicial proceedings in Lee's favor. Public frustration with political infighting is growing, as citizens feel their leaders are neglecting pressing issues, such as the economy and public welfare. The DPK has been criticized for opposing the government without offering constructive solutions, missing the opportunity to capitalize on President Yoon's declining approval ratings, which have fallen below 20 percent. Despite holding a majority in the National Assembly, the DPK has not effectively utilized this power to demonstrate progress. Instead, the party risks turning this advantage into a liability if it fails to prove its competence. To regain public trust, the DPK and its leadership must renew their focus and accountability, addressing the issues that matter most to citizens. As Lee's legal battles continue, it is imperative for him and the DPK to work towards transforming the party into one that is more responsive to public needs. This transformation is essential for rebuilding trust and regaining the public's confidence.