6·3 local election losses have put Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, under pressure, but his outdoor protests appear to be dampening calls for his resignation. While sporadic demands for his departure continue, they seem to lack momentum.
According to the People Power Party on July 20, Jang has been actively engaging in outdoor activities related to the ongoing shortage of ballots. He previously skipped a National Assembly event on Constitution Day to attend a rally at Seoul's Olympic Park, where he called for a special investigation into the election management committee and a re-election.
During a Supreme Council meeting held that day, Jang stated, "While the political special investigation committee sat comfortably in air-conditioned offices, our citizens were battling the heat at Olympic Park." He added, "As this regime celebrates its own version of Constitution Day, young people and citizens stood in the square demanding a special investigation and re-election."
He continued, "The citizens who returned from their holidays to join the 'Olympic Park Day' despite the heat and heavy rain are protecting the Constitution and the people's right to participate in governance. If the regime attempts to undermine the Constitution, the people will bring it down, and if the president seeks to deprive the people of their rights, the people will strip the president of his powers."
In response to criticism of Jang's outdoor activities, party loyalists have rallied to support him. Park Jun-tae, head of Jang's secretariat, told reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, "There are citizens and young people who have temporarily set aside their livelihoods to be at Olympic Park. Even in the rain and sweating profusely, they are committed to protecting their rights. Politicians should feel grateful and responsible toward them."
He added, "Some may say, 'I cannot join because the party leader is there,' or 'It seems the leader is using this to maintain his position.' Such comments are unacceptable for anyone who claims to prioritize the people in politics."
Park noted that over 40 party members have visited Olympic Park so far, emphasizing, "If they do not join this beautiful civic movement, they will be remembered as politicians who ignored the hopes of citizens who took to the streets to protect their rights."
Jang plans to conclude his outdoor protests with visits to Yongin on July 23 and Gimhae and Daegu on July 25. However, he is expected to personally attend ongoing protests at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
Internally, calls for Jang's resignation continue. Previously, five-term lawmaker Kwon Young-se criticized Jang, stating, "He is sacrificing the conservative forces for his personal ambitions and interests," and demanded his resignation. Six-term lawmaker Jo Kyung-tae has also urged the ethics committee to expel Jang for the party's survival and success in the next general election.
Four-term lawmaker Han Gi-ho reportedly shared images of Jang at the Olympic Park protest in a group chat on July 18, questioning, "How long must we endure this?"
However, even if Jang were to resign, there appears to be no suitable replacement to lead the party, which is hindering the momentum for his resignation. If a party convention were to be held following Jang's departure, the new leader would only serve until August of next year, when they would lose the right to nominate candidates for the 2028 general election. Consequently, discussions are emerging around a 'February resignation theory' that would guarantee the next party leader a full two-year term.
According to the People Power Party on July 20, Jang has been actively engaging in outdoor activities related to the ongoing shortage of ballots. He previously skipped a National Assembly event on Constitution Day to attend a rally at Seoul's Olympic Park, where he called for a special investigation into the election management committee and a re-election.
During a Supreme Council meeting held that day, Jang stated, "While the political special investigation committee sat comfortably in air-conditioned offices, our citizens were battling the heat at Olympic Park." He added, "As this regime celebrates its own version of Constitution Day, young people and citizens stood in the square demanding a special investigation and re-election."
He continued, "The citizens who returned from their holidays to join the 'Olympic Park Day' despite the heat and heavy rain are protecting the Constitution and the people's right to participate in governance. If the regime attempts to undermine the Constitution, the people will bring it down, and if the president seeks to deprive the people of their rights, the people will strip the president of his powers."
In response to criticism of Jang's outdoor activities, party loyalists have rallied to support him. Park Jun-tae, head of Jang's secretariat, told reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, "There are citizens and young people who have temporarily set aside their livelihoods to be at Olympic Park. Even in the rain and sweating profusely, they are committed to protecting their rights. Politicians should feel grateful and responsible toward them."
He added, "Some may say, 'I cannot join because the party leader is there,' or 'It seems the leader is using this to maintain his position.' Such comments are unacceptable for anyone who claims to prioritize the people in politics."
Park noted that over 40 party members have visited Olympic Park so far, emphasizing, "If they do not join this beautiful civic movement, they will be remembered as politicians who ignored the hopes of citizens who took to the streets to protect their rights."
Jang plans to conclude his outdoor protests with visits to Yongin on July 23 and Gimhae and Daegu on July 25. However, he is expected to personally attend ongoing protests at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
Internally, calls for Jang's resignation continue. Previously, five-term lawmaker Kwon Young-se criticized Jang, stating, "He is sacrificing the conservative forces for his personal ambitions and interests," and demanded his resignation. Six-term lawmaker Jo Kyung-tae has also urged the ethics committee to expel Jang for the party's survival and success in the next general election.
Four-term lawmaker Han Gi-ho reportedly shared images of Jang at the Olympic Park protest in a group chat on July 18, questioning, "How long must we endure this?"
However, even if Jang were to resign, there appears to be no suitable replacement to lead the party, which is hindering the momentum for his resignation. If a party convention were to be held following Jang's departure, the new leader would only serve until August of next year, when they would lose the right to nominate candidates for the 2028 general election. Consequently, discussions are emerging around a 'February resignation theory' that would guarantee the next party leader a full two-year term.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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