Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, drinks water during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on June 25. [Photo: Yonhap News]
On June 26, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated, "There have been many controversies regarding inappropriate actions before and during the June 3 local elections, and there have been numerous requests for disciplinary action since then. It is time to provide answers, regardless of the conclusions."
Jang made these remarks during consecutive appearances on the Maeil Newspaper and the Pen & Mic YouTube channel. He emphasized the need to correct the perception that shaking up the leadership at any time equates to party reform and innovation.
He argued that ongoing attacks on the party leadership do not constitute innovation or reform, asserting, "This time, we need decisive action against irresponsible behavior. If discipline is necessary, we must carefully review it and ensure procedures are in place to avoid controversy in court." This suggests a potential reactivation of the disciplinary committee.
Jang particularly hinted at actions against members of the party who supported candidates other than the People Power Party's nominee in the Busan North Gap by-election. He noted, "I understand that requests for disciplinary action against those individuals have been submitted. The leadership has issued several warnings. It is now time to take appropriate measures according to the party's sentiments."
He also expressed dissatisfaction with party members focusing on internal division and conflict rather than fighting against external opponents. Jang stated, "When it is time to fight the enemy, they hide, but when it comes to attacking the party leadership, they are quick to raise their voices. It is essential to make them confront the enemy and take necessary actions against those engaging in inappropriate behavior, thereby restoring discipline within the party, which is crucial for conservative reconstruction."
In response to criticism from within the party regarding his insistence on holding re-elections, Jang countered by presenting results from a survey conducted by the Yeouido Institute on July 17-18, which indicated a significant majority of party members favor nationwide re-elections.
Meanwhile, Jang acknowledged that the results of the June 3 local elections cannot be described as successful or victorious, stating, "It is true that we cannot say we did well or that we won. We must accurately assess and reflect on at what point the public did not lose their last expectations of us and chose to vote for us."
Jang made these remarks during consecutive appearances on the Maeil Newspaper and the Pen & Mic YouTube channel. He emphasized the need to correct the perception that shaking up the leadership at any time equates to party reform and innovation.
He argued that ongoing attacks on the party leadership do not constitute innovation or reform, asserting, "This time, we need decisive action against irresponsible behavior. If discipline is necessary, we must carefully review it and ensure procedures are in place to avoid controversy in court." This suggests a potential reactivation of the disciplinary committee.
Jang particularly hinted at actions against members of the party who supported candidates other than the People Power Party's nominee in the Busan North Gap by-election. He noted, "I understand that requests for disciplinary action against those individuals have been submitted. The leadership has issued several warnings. It is now time to take appropriate measures according to the party's sentiments."
He also expressed dissatisfaction with party members focusing on internal division and conflict rather than fighting against external opponents. Jang stated, "When it is time to fight the enemy, they hide, but when it comes to attacking the party leadership, they are quick to raise their voices. It is essential to make them confront the enemy and take necessary actions against those engaging in inappropriate behavior, thereby restoring discipline within the party, which is crucial for conservative reconstruction."
In response to criticism from within the party regarding his insistence on holding re-elections, Jang countered by presenting results from a survey conducted by the Yeouido Institute on July 17-18, which indicated a significant majority of party members favor nationwide re-elections.
Meanwhile, Jang acknowledged that the results of the June 3 local elections cannot be described as successful or victorious, stating, "It is true that we cannot say we did well or that we won. We must accurately assess and reflect on at what point the public did not lose their last expectations of us and chose to vote for us."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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