AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Lee Da-hui
  • Calls for Candidate Unification in Busan North District Amid Tensions
    Calls for Candidate Unification in Busan North District Amid Tensions Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, dismissed calls for candidate unification in the Busan North District by-election on May 15, stating, "It is not the behavior of a general preparing for battle to discuss unification before candidate registration is even complete." His comments come amid demands for unification between Park Min-sik, the party's candidate, and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon.In a post on Facebook, Jang emphasized that "a mere calculation of votes does not align with conservative values." He asserted, "The People Power Party must win this local election, as we are the last bastion protecting South Korea's liberal democracy and the lives of our citizens. However, victory cannot be the sole objective. It cannot be the path to unification or victory itself."He added, "Candidates nominated by the party must remember this. The issue of unification should follow the will of the party members and the party. If any conditions are attached to unification, it must be left to the party's decision in accordance with the members' wishes."Earlier, Jin Jong-oh, a lawmaker aligned with Han Dong-hoon, urged the party leadership to pursue unification among opposition candidates in Busan North District. Jin stated on Facebook, "Unification is the only way to initiate conservative integration and rebuilding, responding to the demands of the public. If we stubbornly cling to meaningless competition without addressing the public's needs, we will inevitably be rejected by the people."He pointed out that recent polls indicate about 65% of conservative voters in Busan North District support unification, yet the party leadership is ignoring this. Jin argued that unification is not a choice for a specific individual but a minimal responsibility to consolidate supporters' wishes and reduce political confusion.He insisted, "We must start the first step toward a new conservatism in Busan North District to halt the reckless governance of the Lee Jae-myung administration. What is needed now is not silence but a decisive action. I urge the party leadership to actively pursue unification for conservative integration and rebuilding."Tensions regarding candidate unification continue within and outside the party. Party member Cho Kwang-han stated on YTN Radio the previous day, "Han should yield to Park and quickly return to Seoul; that is the right answer." He suggested that if Han were to withdraw from the race to unify with Park, he would consider reinstating Han's party membership positively.In response, former party member Kim Jong-hyuk remarked, "It seems the Yoon Again faction is flustered by Han's surprising performance in a three-way race in North District. After this local election, regardless of the outcome, the Yoon Again faction will politically collapse." He added, addressing Cho, "The one leading that collapse should be more concerned about their own future after the local elections rather than who to reinstate."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 14:49:53
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes Jung Won-os Housing Policy and Past Assault Case
    Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes Jung Won-o's Housing Policy and Past Assault Case Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, launched an attack on Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate for Seoul mayor, on May 15, addressing his housing policies and a past assault incident. Jang criticized Jung, stating, "Following Lee Jae-myung's intentions is the priority, while Seoul citizens are left behind." During a meeting of the Central Election Countermeasure Committee at the National Assembly, Jang warned, "If Jung Won-o becomes mayor, a tax bomb will drop, and 'Hell Seoul' will open up." He expressed concern that Lee Jae-myung's housing policies seem to be a continuation of the Moon Jae-in era, but added, "The new Lee Jae-myung is even worse." He noted that housing prices in Seoul, including Gangnam, have skyrocketed, and the abolition of the capital gains tax has drastically reduced available listings. Jang pointed out, "With rental properties so scarce, we are seeing 'no-look' contracts where payments are made without viewing the homes first," and mentioned that monthly rents have surged, with some reaching 3 million won even in northern Seoul. He remarked, "Ordinary citizens, whose loans have been cut off, are now spending their entire salaries on rent," and criticized Lee Jae-myung for shifting to silence after previously pressuring the real estate market, stating, "The government seems to have no further measures in sight." Jang also criticized Jung for proposing a property tax reduction for retirees with no substantial plans for housing policies to assist young people who are delaying marriage. He questioned whether the development approach is effective, saying, "Is it a steady development or a gradual one? The supply policy is inadequate." He added, "There has been no stance on increasing property taxes or abolishing long-term holding special deductions," emphasizing that the only mayor who protects homes and assets is Oh Se-hoon from the People Power Party. Regarding Jung's past assault controversy, Jang stated, "His explanations only seem to fuel public anger rather than clarify the situation," and pointed out that the minutes from council meetings show that the then-district mayor did not respond at all to inquiries. He questioned the validity of bringing in unusual individuals to stir public outrage, stating, "He cannot address his campaign promises or clarify allegations and keeps passing them off to substitutes." He concluded, "Broken things tend to leak everywhere," asserting that this local election is about ousting underqualified Democratic candidates.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 10:34:25
  • Song Eon-seok Criticizes President Lee for Election Interference During Market Visits
    Song Eon-seok Criticizes President Lee for Election Interference During Market Visits Song Eon-seok, co-chair of the People Power Party's election campaign committee, criticized President Lee Jae-myung on May 15 for his frequent visits to traditional markets, calling it "blatant election interference." In a Facebook post, Song stated, "The president is not just crossing the line of election interference; he is actively campaigning." He noted that after attending a K-Shipbuilding meeting in Ulsan, President Lee visited the Namnok Market in Ulsan and then the Moran Market in Seongnam after a meeting at the Saemaul Undong Central Association. He added that last Friday, the president visited the Namdaemun Market following a Parents' Day ceremony, claiming, "He is now conducting open campaign tours of traditional markets every day." Song emphasized that the Moran Market is politically significant for President Lee, as it is his political hometown, and the candidate for Seongnam mayor, Kim Byeong-wook, is a former senior secretary at the Blue House. He argued that the choice of location is suspicious, stating, "While past presidents have faced allegations of election interference, none have campaigned directly in traditional markets every day just 20 days before an election." He recalled that in March 2016, when then-President Park Geun-hye visited innovation centers in Daegu and Busan, the Democratic Party vehemently criticized her for election interference, despite her actions being part of her official duties. "The Democratic Party condemned her for visiting regions, labeling it election interference, while President Lee is not even visiting traditional markets, yet he is campaigning openly," Song remarked. He concluded by stating, "If the president continues this campaign, the People Power Party will take immediate legal action against his blatant electioneering." Jeong Hee-yong, head of the election campaign headquarters, also targeted President Lee, questioning, "Is the obligation of political neutrality and concerns over election interference a selective principle that disappears when the regime changes?" He criticized the president for leading the push for a so-called 'special prosecutor for the cancellation of charges' amid constitutional controversies, suggesting that such behavior reflects a selective interpretation of laws and principles. Jeong added, "The public does not trust a power that is strict with others but lenient with itself. I urge the president to reflect on the weight of his past words and at least adhere to the standards he has set for himself."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-15 09:07:09
  • Oh Se-hoon Proposes Debate with Jung Won-o Ahead of Local Elections
    Oh Se-hoon Proposes Debate with Jung Won-o Ahead of Local Elections Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate for Seoul mayor, reiterated his call for a one-on-one debate with Jung Won-o, the Democratic Party's candidate, on May 14, just six days before the local elections. Oh suggested that Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae could moderate the debate, stating, "I hope at least one or two debates can be held." Speaking at a forum hosted by the Korean Newspaper and Broadcasting Editors Association in central Seoul, Oh said, "I am open to any format, time, place, or topic for the debate." He expressed frustration, saying, "Whenever I propose a debate, Jung gives evasive answers. Considering the public's right to know, I hope he reconsiders and shows at least a minimum level of courtesy." Oh emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, stating, "This election is a crossroads for whether the Lee Jae-myung administration will adopt a humble approach or transition into a more overt form of soft dictatorship. Absolute power corrupts absolutely; this is a historical truth." He warned that if Democratic Party candidates win in major local governments like Seoul and Busan, the current soft dictatorship under President Lee Jae-myung could become more severe. "I hope a minimum foothold for checking the government can be secured," he added. Oh also highlighted the choice between returning to the past of former Mayor Park Won-soon or moving toward the future. He pointed out that during Park's ten-year tenure, 389 redevelopment and reconstruction projects were canceled, leading to a significant reduction in housing supply and contributing to the current real estate crisis. He noted, "The people who implemented those policies are still within the Democratic Party and have joined Jung's campaign. Now that the election is approaching, they promise to increase housing supply and expedite projects, but there is a high likelihood they will revert to their old ways without reflection." Regarding electoral cooperation with the leadership of Jang Dong-hyuk, Oh stated, "We have entered a phase where strategic role division between the central party and candidates is necessary." He remarked, "With only about three weeks left until the election, it is now the candidates' time. The party's role is secondary." He added, "Elections are filled with the candidates' brands, policies, pledges, and messages. If the central party can assist, it should focus on the electoral landscape, such as actively fighting against the recent special prosecution law on canceled indictments and promoting its negative impacts." On the recent controversy over the 'national dividend,' Oh stated, "The central party needs to address whether the distribution related to semiconductors is a desirable government stance for the nation's future and articulate a vision for a better future as the opposition party."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 20:25:09
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes National Dividend Proposal as Gangster Mentality
    Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes National Dividend Proposal as Gangster Mentality Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized the national dividend proposal mentioned by Kim Yong-beom, head of the Presidential Policy Office, stating, "The idea of taking money as if it were theirs while constantly obstructing is a typical gangster mentality." During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jang remarked, "Kim's national dividend is the true intention of Lee Jae-myung," adding, "Whether it’s excess profits or excess tax revenue, it’s not money earned by Lee Jae-myung." He continued, "The reality of a strike at Samsung Electronics, which could lead to losses in the tens of trillions of won, is approaching. Yet, Lee Jae-myung is only interested in collecting money," asserting that "Lee and the Democratic Party have no right to take advantage of this situation. While Samsung and SK Hynix are thriving now, just three to four years ago, they recorded massive losses due to a global semiconductor downturn." Jang further stated, "When our party pushed for the K-Chips Law to save the semiconductor industry, the Democratic Party vehemently opposed it, claiming it was a favor to conglomerates. If our party hadn't worked tirelessly to pass the K-Chips Law, we wouldn't be able to ride the current semiconductor supercycle." He also pointed out, "It’s not just semiconductors. The Democratic Party has always opposed future investments like nuclear power. If the Moon Jae-in administration's nuclear phase-out had succeeded, would we be experiencing the current semiconductor boom? They are still opposing the 52-hour workweek exception for semiconductor R&D." Jang criticized, "The money Lee Jae-myung is distributing to gain support and buy votes will ultimately become debt that future generations will have to repay," noting that "Lee's rapid increase in debt has pushed national liabilities over 1,300 trillion won. It’s not an exaggeration to call it a debt supercycle." He concluded, "If excess tax revenue arises, we must pay off debt first. We should not deceive the public with the absurd argument that fiscal austerity is populism. Instead of wasting time on the national dividend, I hope they focus on preventing the Samsung Electronics strike."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 11:26:48
  • People Power Party Launches Election Campaign in Ulsan, Targets Yeongnam Region
    People Power Party Launches Election Campaign in Ulsan, Targets Yeongnam Region People Power Party held a campaign launch event in Ulsan on May 11, aiming to secure votes in the Yeongnam region. The party called for overwhelming support for its Ulsan mayoral candidate Kim Du-gyeom and National Assembly candidate Kim Tae-kyu while also countering Democratic Party candidate Kim Sang-wook, who switched parties after leaving People Power Party.At the event, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, stated, "This local election is a war to protect Ulsan and South Korea. I urge you to judge the forces that ignore the people and trample on the Constitution, which are destroying the roots of our nation, in this election."Jang criticized the current state of law enforcement and media, saying, "The prosecution has been dismantled, the police have become slaves to power, and now the media can no longer represent the people freely. The judiciary has also been seized. Now, they are even considering a special investigation to erase the president's crimes. This is unimaginable."He added, "If a special investigation to dismiss charges against the president passes, this will not be a country anymore. We must secure victory in Ulsan to resume Lee Jae-myung's trial and send him to prison."Jang praised Kim Du-gyeom, saying, "He has extensive political experience and administrative expertise. No matter how difficult it gets, he has stood by People Power Party and protected Ulsan."In contrast, he targeted Kim Sang-wook, stating, "Can someone who set fire to the boat they were on during a storm and escaped in a lifeboat be responsible for the citizens of Ulsan? Show with your votes what the price of betraying the citizens who elected you is in this election."Floor leader Song Eon-seok emphasized, "One must not forget their roots. It is unacceptable to spit on the party that nurtured you and the residents who elected you. Allowing such betrayal would tarnish the pride of Ulsan citizens."He expressed confidence in Kim Tae-kyu's victory, stating, "I believe the victory for Ulsan mayor is already secured. To restore the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information, and Broadcasting Committee, we need someone who is well-versed in that work."Jang Dong-hyuk and the party leadership are continuing their regional campaign schedule, having visited Busan and Daegu the previous day, and are now focusing on solidifying their support in conservative strongholds. Jang plans to expand his outreach by visiting the Chungnam and Gyeongbuk party offices on May 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 16:40:14
  • Jung Kyung-tae Announces Candidacy for National Assembly Vice Speaker
    Jung Kyung-tae Announces Candidacy for National Assembly Vice Speaker Jung Kyung-tae, a member of the People Power Party, has declared his candidacy for the position of Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, describing himself as the only six-term lawmaker who has experienced both progressive and conservative politics in South Korea.At a press conference held on May 11 in the National Assembly's communication hall, Jung stated, "I will become a Vice Speaker who listens to the rational and sensible voices of the people, opening a new chapter of cooperation and checks in the 22nd National Assembly."He criticized the ruling party's unilateral legislative actions and autocratic management of the National Assembly, saying, "The dialogue and compromise that are essential to parliamentary democracy have faded away due to the ruling party's legislative rush. If the People Power Party fails to properly check the Democratic Party, it will lead to greater arrogance from them, and the consequences will return to the people's livelihoods, pushing South Korea into crisis."Jung emphasized that the upcoming Vice Speaker election will be a critical juncture for the People Power Party, determining whether it will signal a renewal or fade into history. He urged the party to step out boldly from behind a curtain of military rule.He added, "The Vice Speaker position allocated to the opposition is not merely an honorary role. It must serve as a frontline barrier against the unchecked power of the ruling party, correcting the imbalance in the political landscape. The standards for cooperation and checks must be solely based on the livelihoods of the people."Jung vowed to confront any legislative actions that disregard the people and to uphold the values of constitutional spirit and rule of law by preventing self-cancellation of charges against the president.He also expressed his commitment to establishing the presence of the People Power Party as the leading opposition party through strategic negotiations that transcend partisan lines and by actively negotiating with the ruling party on behalf of the smaller opposition party.Furthermore, he pledged to lead the realization of parliamentary democracy, stating, "We must correct the unilateral proceedings of plenary sessions, the autocratic operation of standing committees, and the issues surrounding the allocation of the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, which have undermined parliamentary democracy due to the majority party's abuses, and restore the traditions of cooperation and respect for the opposition in the National Assembly."The People Power Party will select its candidate for Vice Speaker at a general meeting on May 13. So far, lawmakers Cho Bae-sook and Park Deok-heum have also announced their candidacies.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 11:45:23
  • People Power Party Criticizes Lee Over Ship Attack Response
    People Power Party Criticizes Lee Over Ship Attack Response People Power Party officials criticized the Lee Jae-myung administration on May 11 for its lack of commitment to protecting citizens' safety and property in light of the recent attack on the HMM Namuho vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, stated, "Lee Jae-myung brought up fake news to attack Israel, yet remains silent after our ship was hit." He emphasized that Iran, which should have been included in the government's initial investigation report on the attack, was notably absent. Jang pointed out that while former President Donald Trump acknowledged the attack, the South Korean government insisted the likelihood of an attack was low. Now that the attack has been confirmed, he criticized the government for refusing to speculate on the assailants.Jang also noted that Iranian state television had reported that a South Korean vessel was targeted. He remarked, "The perpetrator has confessed, yet the victim is being denied." He accused the current administration of having financially supported Iran, suggesting that the funds may have been used to launch the drone that attacked the Namuho.He expressed concern for the safety of the 160 crew members aboard the Namuho, stating, "In this critical situation, the president is posting about real estate on social media at midnight." He questioned, "What exactly is Lee Jae-myung doing?"Regarding the reintroduction of heavy taxation on multiple homeowners, Jang criticized the administration's handling of the real estate crisis, saying, "With no available jeonse (long-term lease) options and soaring monthly rent prices, the president finds one line about allowing gap investment in a sea of articles and posts it on social media at night. There are no answers to the hundreds of articles pointing out the lack of available properties, the disappearance of jeonse, and the skyrocketing rent prices."He added, "The same goes for Jeong Won-o, the candidate for Seoul mayor. No matter how many times I ask about the abolition of heavy taxation, the increase in property taxes, or the elimination of long-term holding tax exemptions, they cannot provide an answer."Jang warned that if Lee and Jeong were to form a coalition, it would mark the peak of the real estate crisis in Seoul, declaring, "This local election is about ending Lee Jae-myung's real estate tyranny in the region."Song Eon-seok, the party's floor leader, commented on the Namuho attack, stating, "The government's response to this critical security issue has been too slow and dismissive." He accused the government and ruling party of focusing more on clearing Lee's name through special investigations than on protecting citizens.Regarding the government's real estate policies, Song noted that aside from a few ultra-luxury apartments in Gangnam, the balloon effect is spreading throughout most of Seoul and surrounding areas like Seongnam, Gwangmyeong, Hanam, and Gwacheon. He pointed out that the supply of jeonse has drastically decreased, while the proportion of monthly rent has reached an all-time high. He warned that if additional property tax increases are pushed through, ordinary citizens will fall into a real estate hell.He added, "Homebuyers without properties are completely blocked from purchasing homes due to loan regulations, and tenants are being pushed into a crisis of jeonse shortages and soaring monthly rents. Those who own homes face tax burdens, while those without homes must endure the collapse of jeonse and the burden of rising monthly rents."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 11:00:04
  • Jang Dong-hyuk Appeals for Support at Lee Jin-sooks Campaign Office Opening
    Jang Dong-hyuk Appeals for Support at Lee Jin-sook's Campaign Office Opening Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, attended the opening of Lee Jin-sook's campaign office for the Dalseong District by-election in Daegu on May 10, urging support by stating, "We need someone who can properly fight against the Lee Jae-myung government." At the event, Jang praised Lee, saying, "She is someone who has fought to uphold her values and has never backed down in the face of oppression or intimidation." He criticized Lee Jae-myung, saying, "He is rushing to cancel charges against himself. Even though he has been president for less than a year, he is disregarding the public by trying to erase all his crimes." Jang also expressed concerns about potential tax increases after the local elections, stating, "After the local elections, a tax bomb will explode. They are planning to take all the committee chair positions during the formation of the National Assembly. We must stop this." He emphasized the importance of Dalseong, calling it "a place that has upheld conservatism and the pride of conservatives," and expressed confidence that the patriotism of Dalseong will protect both South Korea and conservatism. He added, "We need someone who has fought properly until now to come to the National Assembly and fight alongside us. I want to see Lee elected with an overwhelming majority of over 90%." Lee Jin-sook also spoke at the event, declaring, "This election is not just about electing mayors, county heads, or members of the National Assembly. It is about protecting South Korea from unchecked dictatorial power." She criticized the Lee Jae-myung administration, stating, "They are attempting to transform the South Korean system using their majority in the National Assembly. We are living in an era where the abnormal has become the new normal. If Dalseong falls to the left, can we still call South Korea a free democratic country? If the Democratic Party's leftists take over Daegu, there will be no future for South Korea." The opening ceremony was attended by several local political figures, including Chu Kyung-ho, the candidate for Daegu mayor, and Lee Cheol-woo, the candidate for Gyeongbuk governor, along with other local lawmakers such as Lee In-sun, Kwon Young-jin, and Choi Eun-seok.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 04:06:04
  • Park Min-sik and Han Dong-hoon Open Campaign Offices in Busan Amid Tensions
    Park Min-sik and Han Dong-hoon Open Campaign Offices in Busan Amid Tensions The campaign offices of Park Min-sik, the People Power Party candidate for the June 3 by-election in Busan's North District, and Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate, opened simultaneously on May 10, sparking a competitive atmosphere. The People Power Party leadership, including Jang Dong-hyuk, attended Park's opening to showcase their support, while Han's event focused on local residents. The Democratic Party candidate, Ha Jung-woo, also launched his campaign office on the same day, marking the start of the election battle.At the opening of Park's office in the Daehyang Building, Jang stated, "Isn't it time to renew the People Power Party?" He emphasized that someone like Park, who has steadfastly upheld conservatism, should lead the party's transformation rather than those who sow seeds of conflict and division. Jang acknowledged the disappointment among voters due to internal strife within the party, asserting that Park Min-sik is needed, someone who truly loves the party, rather than those who seek to exploit it. He also claimed, "To prevent the tax bomb that will explode after the election, we need a true fighter like Park Min-sik who knows how to fight properly."Jang dismissed Han, stating, "He is someone who should not be in politics and does not know how to do politics," criticizing him as a candidate supported by Lee Jae-myung, who he accused of damaging the country.The event saw significant attendance from the party leadership, including Jang and floor leader Song Eon-seok, as well as senior members like Kwon Young-se, Kim Ki-hyun, Na Kyung-won, and Ahn Cheol-soo. Busan mayoral candidate Park Hyung-jun and former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong were also present.Meanwhile, Han's campaign office opening took place about a 10-minute walk away. Members of the pro-Han faction did not attend, as the People Power Party leadership had previously warned that supporting a candidate outside their party would lead to disciplinary action, prompting Han to discourage attendance.The audience at Han's event was primarily made up of local residents and supporters. Han remarked, "Today's opening is different from other events." He explained that he had initially planned to gather influential figures for a media showcase but changed his mind after meeting a local woman who had made him a rice ball lunch. He stated, "We transformed our opening into a festival with the residents," pledging to develop the North District and rebuild conservatism while stopping the current administration's excesses.Han's opening intensified the election competition, with notable attendees including Jeon Jae-soo, the Busan mayoral candidate serving as Han's campaign chair, former Busan mayor Moon Jeong-soo, honorary campaign chair Kim Young-chun, and Congressman Kim Young-jin. Han expressed his commitment, saying, "As a son of North District, I will dedicate my expertise in artificial intelligence to the future of our district."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-11 03:38:55