Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is focusing on security issues and visiting military sites to rally support among conservative factions. He has actively responded to recent incidents, including a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war, directly challenging President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party's stance on security.
On September 29, Jang visited Baengnyeongdo in Incheon, where he paid respects at the memorial for the 46 sailors of the Cheonan and encouraged the Marines of the 6th Brigade. He stated, "Our soldiers are dedicating everything to protect the lives and safety of our nation and people, and it is the duty of South Korea to ensure their safety." He promised to do his utmost to improve conditions so that the soldiers can serve comfortably.
Jang has been increasing his visits to military-related sites, having visited the Air Force Academy in Cheongju and the Naval Academy in Changwon on the 7th and 11th of this month, respectively, to voice opposition to the consolidation of military academies.
The day before, he met with Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol, stating, "The Lee Jae-myung administration has only disappointed the public regarding defense and security, raising concerns." He urged the minister to remember the public's sincere hope that the defense minister should act as a true leader, not a politician. Jang also reportedly conveyed to Minister Kang the need to correct any misguided defense and security policies being pursued by President Lee.
Through various statements, Jang has voiced concerns over recent issues, including the DMZ landmine explosion and the repatriation of North Korean prisoners. On the same day, he posted on Facebook, "'If you touch a Korean, you will face ruin.' Does that sound like an empty threat? Just eight months ago, President Lee said this while heading to Cambodia," adding that the president, who had been vocal about other issues, has remained silent on North Korean provocations.
A few hours later, he reiterated in another post, "President Lee and the Democratic Party are a threat to our security by their very existence," asserting that ending the Lee Jae-myung administration as soon as possible is the only way to protect South Korea's security.
Other members of the People Power Party have also been vocal in condemning the government's and ruling party's 'security disaster.' Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sik pointed out during a party meeting that, despite evidence presented by the Joint Chiefs of Staff indicating that the landmines were likely planted by North Korea, the final investigation left room for doubt about North Korean involvement, suggesting a continued submissive stance toward the North.
Yoo Yong-won, a member of the National Defense Committee, criticized the government's and military's complacent response, stating that their inadequate 'water response' has allowed North Korea to gradually push southward, ultimately leading to serious injuries among our soldiers.
On September 29, Jang visited Baengnyeongdo in Incheon, where he paid respects at the memorial for the 46 sailors of the Cheonan and encouraged the Marines of the 6th Brigade. He stated, "Our soldiers are dedicating everything to protect the lives and safety of our nation and people, and it is the duty of South Korea to ensure their safety." He promised to do his utmost to improve conditions so that the soldiers can serve comfortably.
Jang has been increasing his visits to military-related sites, having visited the Air Force Academy in Cheongju and the Naval Academy in Changwon on the 7th and 11th of this month, respectively, to voice opposition to the consolidation of military academies.
The day before, he met with Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol, stating, "The Lee Jae-myung administration has only disappointed the public regarding defense and security, raising concerns." He urged the minister to remember the public's sincere hope that the defense minister should act as a true leader, not a politician. Jang also reportedly conveyed to Minister Kang the need to correct any misguided defense and security policies being pursued by President Lee.
Through various statements, Jang has voiced concerns over recent issues, including the DMZ landmine explosion and the repatriation of North Korean prisoners. On the same day, he posted on Facebook, "'If you touch a Korean, you will face ruin.' Does that sound like an empty threat? Just eight months ago, President Lee said this while heading to Cambodia," adding that the president, who had been vocal about other issues, has remained silent on North Korean provocations.
A few hours later, he reiterated in another post, "President Lee and the Democratic Party are a threat to our security by their very existence," asserting that ending the Lee Jae-myung administration as soon as possible is the only way to protect South Korea's security.
Other members of the People Power Party have also been vocal in condemning the government's and ruling party's 'security disaster.' Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sik pointed out during a party meeting that, despite evidence presented by the Joint Chiefs of Staff indicating that the landmines were likely planted by North Korea, the final investigation left room for doubt about North Korean involvement, suggesting a continued submissive stance toward the North.
Yoo Yong-won, a member of the National Defense Committee, criticized the government's and military's complacent response, stating that their inadequate 'water response' has allowed North Korea to gradually push southward, ultimately leading to serious injuries among our soldiers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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