Calls for Leadership Change in People Power Party After Local Election Loss

Calls for the resignation of Jang Dong-hyuk's leadership in the People Power Party are growing among lawmakers aligned with the Pro-Han Dong-hoon faction following the party's defeat in the June 3 local elections.

Ahn Sang-hoon, a member of the faction, stated on Facebook on June 4, "Jang Dong-hyuk's leadership has absurdly expelled former leader Han Dong-hoon, while Oh Se-hoon, who distanced himself from Jang's leadership, managed to retain Seoul. This is a signal for the rational reconstruction of conservatism. Public sentiment reflects the will of the people, and the party leadership must quickly determine their future."

Park Jeong-hoon also held a press conference at the National Assembly with fellow lawmakers, including Bae Hyun-jin, stating, "The leadership will reflect on their decisions, but for our party to be reborn as a beloved entity, the local elections must serve as a turning point. I believe the opinions of the lawmakers are aligned. I expect a consensus to be reached in the party meeting." Kim So-hee, a lawmaker with less factional affiliation, also posted on Facebook, urging, "The leadership of the People Power Party must resign in response to the public's reprimand."

Jin Jong-o remarked on Han's victory in the Busan North District by-election, saying, "This is the last warning and opportunity from the public for the People Power Party to change. It is a mandate to rebuild conservatism through unification. We must not dismiss or ignore the voices calling for reform any longer."

However, Jang appears set to ignore the calls for resignation and continue in his role. After leaving the Central Party's counting room in Yeouido on the morning of June 4, he did not appear in public and skipped the afternoon party meeting due to health reasons. Instead, he posted on Facebook, stating, "Despite the difficulties faced in this election, we have maintained the spark of hope. I will not shy away from the heavy responsibility placed upon me and will work with party members to find a new path forward."