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  • 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
  • Jang Dong-hyuk: Capital Gains Tax Hike Will Drive Up Seoul Housing Prices
    Jang Dong-hyuk: Capital Gains Tax Hike Will Drive Up Seoul Housing Prices Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized the reintroduction of the capital gains tax for multiple homeowners on May 10, stating, "Except for Gangnam, housing prices in Seoul have risen again. Is this Lee Jae-myung's version of a 'surgical strike'?" In a post on his Facebook account, Jang remarked, "Gangnam, which he despises, has dropped, so is Lee Jae-myung smiling?" He warned that with the capital gains tax on real estate starting today, prices will continue to rise, noting, "Everyone is pulling their properties off the market." He added, "The rental market has already reached its limit. Jeonse (long-term lease) options are drying up, and monthly rents have increased by tens of thousands of won compared to last year." He predicted that once the elections are over, property taxes will increase, and the long-term holding tax exemption will be abolished, stating, "A true hell awaits us." Jang also criticized Lee Jae-myung's insistence on 'normalizing the real estate market,' saying, "The mindset that believes this is normal is abnormal." He questioned whether the apartment owned by President Lee in Bundang would ever be sold, asking, "Is it just going to be advertised without actually selling?" Choi Bo-yoon, the party's chief spokesperson, also commented, stating, "The feared housing supply lockdown is becoming a reality," and noted that the temporary increase in urgent sales before the tax deadline was not a result of policy effectiveness but rather an attempt to avoid a tax burden. Choi emphasized, "The consequences of the tax-centric policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration are clear. Citizens who own homes are burdened by punitive taxes, while those without homes are pushed out by skyrocketing rents. Sellers face tax barriers, and young people and newlyweds looking to buy homes are frustrated by loan regulations." She further criticized the government for considering reducing long-term holding tax exemptions and stripping benefits from rental property owners, stating, "The government is shaking the market with taxes, and when the market doesn't respond as they wish, they intend to suppress it with even harsher taxes." Choi concluded by asserting that what is needed now is the repeal of punitive taxes that block exit routes and decisive action to eliminate regulations on reconstruction and redevelopment to allow quality housing to be supplied where the market demands. She urged the Lee Jae-myung administration to recognize the failures of past governments that tried to control the market through taxation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-10 11:25:47
  • People Power Party Nominates Cho Yang-deok for Jeonju Mayor
    People Power Party Nominates Cho Yang-deok for Jeonju Mayor The People Power Party's nomination committee announced on May 7 that it has recommended Cho Yang-deok as the sole candidate for the mayor of Jeonju. Park Deok-heum, the head of the committee, stated that Cho possesses extensive experience across academia, media, and the arts, making him a well-suited candidate for the position. In Gyeongnam, the planned primary for the Uiryeong, Ham-an, and Geochang county mayoral races has been canceled due to disagreements among candidates. The committee will decide on the final candidates through a re-evaluation process. Regarding the by-elections, one individual has registered in the Jeonbuk Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan regions following an additional application process. The application period for the Siheung mayoral candidate has also been extended, with details on the selection process to be announced later. The committee plans to revisit the candidacy of Jeong Jin-seok, who had previously announced his intention to run for the Chungnam Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang districts but later withdrew. Park noted, "We will reconsider whether to conduct another application process or finalize the existing candidates, aiming to find a competitive nominee."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 23:33:38
  • Jung Jin-seok Withdraws Candidacy for By-Election, Vows to Serve Party
    Jung Jin-seok Withdraws Candidacy for By-Election, Vows to Serve Party Jung Jin-seok, a former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, announced on May 7 that he is withdrawing his candidacy for the by-election in Chungnam's Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang districts. He stated, "I will return to being an unnamed party member and serve the party from a humble position."In a Facebook post, he expressed concern that his candidacy could harm party unity or weaken the momentum needed to counter the dominance of major powers. He said, "While I am in pain, the party is suffering greatly as well," and confirmed his commitment to follow the party's decisions, including those of Park Deok-heum, the nomination committee chair.Jung emphasized his dedication to the victory of conservative patriotic forces, stating, "The only alternative to stop the Democratic Party's reckless governance is the People Power Party. I hope the public will look at us once more, even if they dislike us." He urged support for the People Power Party to counter the authoritarian rule of the Lee Jae-myung administration.Concerns had been raised within the party that Jung's nomination could negatively impact the local elections. Kim Tae-heum, the candidate for Chungnam governor, hinted at the possibility of leaving the party if Jung were nominated.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 21:42:04
  • People Power Party Abstains from Constitutional Amendment Vote, Proposes New Committee
    People Power Party Abstains from Constitutional Amendment Vote, Proposes New Committee People Power Party lawmakers abstained from voting on a constitutional amendment at the National Assembly on May 7. They proposed forming a bipartisan committee in the second half of the 22nd National Assembly to discuss a comprehensive amendment covering everything from the preamble to the restructuring of power. After a party meeting, lawmakers stated, "We will resolutely oppose any rushed, piecemeal constitutional amendments that disregard the public's will," and pledged to prepare a responsible amendment that upholds the spirit of the Constitution and the rule of law.They emphasized that the value of the Constitution lies in the protection of the rule of law and the consensus of the people, describing it as the most sacred social contract between the citizens and the state. They asserted that the sovereign people have delegated power to the state through this contract, and both the president and the National Assembly, as representatives of the people, must faithfully uphold constitutional principles.The lawmakers criticized the government and ruling party for attempting to undermine the judicial system with measures like the 'Special Prosecutor Law on Dismissal of Charges,' which they described as a plot to destroy the judiciary. They warned that pushing for unilateral amendments that violate the rule of law is a betrayal of the people and a direct challenge to the sovereign.They outlined five principles for the proposed amendment, insisting it should enhance and restore the spirit of the Constitution rather than weaken the separation of powers. They called for a public discourse involving the National Assembly, civil society, and academia to inform the amendment process.The lawmakers stressed that the preamble must reflect a unified historical perspective that safeguards Korea's legitimacy, incorporating significant events such as the Busan Uprising, the May 18 Democratic Movement, the founding of the nation, the Korean War, and other pivotal moments in the history of South Korea's democracy.They argued that amendments should not be conducted behind closed doors by those undermining the rule of law but should instead be a 'people-participatory amendment' centered on the sovereign. They urged an end to political maneuvers that divide the nation and called for bipartisan cooperation based on checks and balances. Furthermore, they stated that constitutional amendments should not be used as a political tool during election periods but should be pursued calmly when elections are not imminent.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 16:30:43
  • People Power Party slams special counsel bill allowing indictment cancellations in Lee Jae-myung cases
    People Power Party slams special counsel bill allowing indictment cancellations in Lee Jae-myung cases The People Power Party held an on-site meeting of its 최고위원회 in front of Cheong Wa Dae on May 7 and criticized a special counsel bill that would allow the cancellation of indictments in cases involving President Lee Jae-myung. The party said indictment cancellations would go beyond “erasing Lee Jae-myung’s crimes” and amount to “the last tollgate on the road to dictatorship.” It also urged that five trials involving Lee be resumed. Party leaders, including Jang Dong-hyeok, spoke at the meeting held in front of the fountain at the Sarangchae near Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. Jang said, “In Lee Jae-myung’s eyes inside Cheong Wa Dae, he can’t see the economy, people’s livelihoods, diplomacy or security — anything. Right now, Lee is thinking only about not going to prison.” Jang cited allegations including illegal remittances to North Korea, the Daejang-dong scandal, perjury, misuse of corporate card funds and election law violations, calling them “clear and shameless crimes” that he said Lee could not avoid facing. He claimed Lee was trying to “erase his crimes altogether by appointing a special counsel himself.” “In short, he wants to use a special counsel to take the indictment from the judge and have Lee Jae-myung tear it up with his own hands,” Jang said, adding, “He seems afraid of going to jail, but not afraid of the public at all.” Jang said, “The moment criminal Lee Jae-myung tears up the indictment with his own hands, an all-powerful dictatorship will begin in earnest,” and warned of harsher pressure on the opposition and the media. He also called the upcoming local elections a vote to stop what he described as “Lee Jae-myung’s dictatorship.” Jang also said he opposed a constitutional amendment proposal scheduled for a vote at the National Assembly plenary session that day, calling it a political maneuver to extend Lee’s rule. He said that if Lee wants a constitutional revision, Lee should first declare he will not seek another term. Jang urged the immediate withdrawal of the special counsel bill tied to indictment cancellations and called for the repeal of laws he described as unconstitutional. “They drafted a constitutional amendment to suit their tastes, introduced it first, and now say they want discussions — that itself is a dictatorial idea,” he said. Floor leader Song Eon-seok also criticized the special counsel measure, calling it an unprecedented “self-pardon bill” that would mobilize state power to erase Lee’s alleged criminal suspicions. “If he is truly confident, as he says, there is no reason to avoid trial,” Song said. Song added that five trials involving Lee — including cases tied to Daejang-dong, Baekhyeon-dong, Ssangbangwool-related remittances to North Korea, and violations of the Public Official Election Act — “should be resumed immediately.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-07 11:20:05
  • People Power Party Opposes Ruling Party’s Special Counsel Bill on Dropping Charges, to Skip Constitutional Vote
    People Power Party Opposes Ruling Party’s Special Counsel Bill on Dropping Charges, to Skip Constitutional Vote The People Power Party on May 6 adopted a resolution opposing the Democratic Party’s proposed “special counsel bill on dropping charges.” After a party lawmakers’ meeting at the National Assembly, floor deputy chief whip Yoo Sang-beom told reporters, “At today’s meeting, People Power Party lawmakers resolved to oppose the unconstitutional and illegal special counsel aimed at dropping charges.” The resolution calls for: opposition to the Democratic Party’s bill; opposition to “all unconstitutional and illegal attempts” to drop charges against President Lee Jae-myung; joint action with political parties, civic groups and citizens who oppose dropping charges against the president; urging the judiciary to immediately resume the president’s five trials; and a pledge to fight what it called the ruling party’s effort to turn South Korea into a “republic of criminals.” The party also said it plans to boycott a National Assembly vote on a constitutional amendment scheduled for May 7. Yoo said most lawmakers believed it would be inappropriate to take part because the Democratic Party was pushing the process unilaterally to align with local elections, without sufficient discussion and deliberation. Responding to criticism that the party did not gather enough views, Yoo said the party line was not formed all at once and that there had been “sufficient discussion” among many lawmakers over a considerable period. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-06 18:13:42