Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, speaks during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on June 29. [Photo: Yonhap News]
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated on June 29 that he will not resign regardless of any decisions made at the party's general assembly or comments made during the Supreme Council meeting. This declaration comes amid increasing pressure for his resignation from within the party.
After sharing an article on Facebook that mentioned his proposal for a "conditional resignation," Jang revealed the exact wording he used during a closed-door Supreme Council meeting. He emphasized, "If any Supreme Council member intends to resign, they should do so here today," targeting those who have called for the entire leadership to step down in light of the local elections held on June 3.
Debate over Jang's future has intensified within the party following the local elections. The internal group, "Alternative and Future," primarily composed of first- and second-term lawmakers, has publicly demanded Jang's resignation. Supreme Council member Woo Jae-jun, affiliated with this group, has repeatedly called for Jang's departure and the resignation of the entire leadership during public statements.
On the same day, Woo expressed doubts about the leadership's ability to lead as a "one team," stating, "If all members within the party view each other as adversaries, it is time to change leadership. For the party to move forward as one team, the leader should step down."
In response, Jang has maintained that the party should focus on addressing issues related to the infringement of voting rights that arose during the local elections, distancing himself from the resignation discussions. Supporters of Jang within the party have also argued that his term should be protected, noting that few party leaders have completed their terms in the history of the People Power Party and its predecessor. They assert, "It is time for a change," in a bid to shield Jang from the mounting calls for his resignation.
As Jang continues to reject the notion of stepping down, the internal conflict within the party is expected to escalate in the near future.
After sharing an article on Facebook that mentioned his proposal for a "conditional resignation," Jang revealed the exact wording he used during a closed-door Supreme Council meeting. He emphasized, "If any Supreme Council member intends to resign, they should do so here today," targeting those who have called for the entire leadership to step down in light of the local elections held on June 3.
Debate over Jang's future has intensified within the party following the local elections. The internal group, "Alternative and Future," primarily composed of first- and second-term lawmakers, has publicly demanded Jang's resignation. Supreme Council member Woo Jae-jun, affiliated with this group, has repeatedly called for Jang's departure and the resignation of the entire leadership during public statements.
On the same day, Woo expressed doubts about the leadership's ability to lead as a "one team," stating, "If all members within the party view each other as adversaries, it is time to change leadership. For the party to move forward as one team, the leader should step down."
In response, Jang has maintained that the party should focus on addressing issues related to the infringement of voting rights that arose during the local elections, distancing himself from the resignation discussions. Supporters of Jang within the party have also argued that his term should be protected, noting that few party leaders have completed their terms in the history of the People Power Party and its predecessor. They assert, "It is time for a change," in a bid to shield Jang from the mounting calls for his resignation.
As Jang continues to reject the notion of stepping down, the internal conflict within the party is expected to escalate in the near future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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