On February 5th, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, addressed the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. [Photo by Kwak Young-rae]
[iNews24 Reporter Yoo Beom-yeol] On February 10th, Jang Dong-hyuk effectively drew a line against calls from both inside and outside the party to sever ties with former President Yoon Suk Yeol. He stated, “Demanding severance from within initiates division.”
During an interview on the YouTube program “Heo Min’s News Show,” Jang remarked, “Regarding the innovation plan I presented at the start of the year, opinions vary. Some find it insufficient, while others consider it excessive.”
In a New Year’s press conference last month, he acknowledged, “The state of emergency declared on December 3, 2024, was an inappropriate measure that didn’t fit the circumstances. It caused significant confusion and inconvenience for the public.” He added, “It also deeply wounded party members who have upheld liberal democratic principles. As the ruling party, a pillar of national governance, I sincerely apologize to the public for our failure to fulfill our responsibilities.”
He emphasized, “The People Power Party will not repeat past mistakes. We will deeply reflect on our errors and present a new image to the public.”
Despite Jang’s statements, ongoing debates within the party about the appropriateness of severing ties indicate a clear understanding that continuing to discuss separation from former President Yoon does not promote party unity.
Jang asserted, “What the public truly wants from the People Power Party is a different approach, not just verbal resolutions. Severance is a divisive framework, and I believe we can’t escape that framework through words alone.”
He also stated, “Regarding the issue of severing ties with former President Yoon, I’ve communicated my position as clearly as possible as party leader. Please accept this stance as it is. If circumstances require further clarification, I will address it accordingly.”
Jang also requested that Jeon Han-gil, a far-right YouTuber considered part of his support base, refrain from extreme assertions to ensure victory in the local elections.
Responding to Jeon’s repeated questions about aligning with the “Yoon Again” faction, Jang clarified, “My official stance on all issues – including the state of emergency, impeachment, severance, ‘Yoon Again,’ and election fraud – remains unchanged. Jeon is asking me to clarify my position while simultaneously questioning whether I’ll join ‘Yoon Again.'”
He continued, “Many in our conservative base likely have various thoughts, goals, and issues they wish to address. However, the only way to achieve this is by ‘winning local elections.’ To win, we must confront the Lee Jae-myung administration and present future agendas more competently.”
He reiterated to Jeon, “It’s not about whether you can join us. Rather, you should work with me, Jang Dong-hyuk, who leads the People Power Party and can address these issues.”
This sentiment was echoed the previous day by Kim Min-soo, a hardline member of the leadership. During a debate co-hosted by a conservative YouTube channel, Kim stated, “Shouting ‘Yoon Again’ won’t win the June 3 local elections. The 52% support rate during the impeachment period is declining as you continue this chant. Please view this with a long-term perspective.”
Meanwhile, Jang dismissed calls from the Alternative Future party faction, including Rep. Bae Hyun-jin, to halt disciplinary procedures against certain party members. He stated, “It’s inappropriate for the party leader to dictate what should be addressed by the Ethics Committee,” emphasizing, “Decisions shouldn’t be based on the voices of a few members. The Ethics Committee should handle these issues to maintain party discipline and principles.”
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