Proponents of Chinhang Demand Resignation of Leader Jang Dong-hyuk After Election Loss

People Power Party lawmakers aligned with the Chinhang faction called on Jang Dong-hyuk to take responsibility for the results of the June 3 local elections and resign.

Woo Jae-jun, a senior member of the party, stated on YTN Radio's "Jang Seong-cheol's News Myungdang" that while many candidates lost, the overall results were slightly better than initially feared. He noted, "Although we have a score of 12 to 4, there were also more victories in local government positions, and we narrowly lost in several metropolitan areas." He added, "It is difficult to evaluate that the leadership significantly contributed to this local election. Many candidates are likely aware of this, and the leadership must reflect on it. It is appropriate for them to take responsibility accordingly."

Woo pointed out both the strengths and weaknesses of Jang's leadership during the election process. He expressed, "It would be good if he resigned. On one hand, he worked hard. There were areas where he performed well and others where he did not." He specifically criticized Jang for expending too much energy on expelling Han Dong-hoon, which negatively impacted the Busan mayoral election. However, he acknowledged that Jang contributed to resolving some confusion in Daegu and helped achieve some victories in South Chungcheong Province.

He concluded, "I believe it would be beneficial for him to step down to help resolve conflicts. If Jang continues to hold on, the conflicts will not be resolved. It would be better for him to step down and hold a formal party convention to receive a proper evaluation, which would help us gather our thoughts on the future direction of our party."

Park Jeong-hoon also echoed the call for the entire leadership under Jang Dong-hyuk to resign. Speaking on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show," Park stated, "Ultimately, we suffered a crushing defeat in this election. Almost all the metropolitan leaders were incumbents. Despite the incumbent advantage, eight incumbents lost, which is a significant defeat."

He attributed the election difficulties to the decision to expel Han Dong-hoon, which he claimed divided the party. "The reasons for the expulsion were nonsensical and unrelated to him. The individuals most responsible are Jang Dong-hyuk, Shin Dong-wook, and Song Eon-seok," he asserted.

Park predicted, "If a confidence vote were held now, I believe Jang would lose. We need to conduct the next general election under this leadership, but can we win with Jang Dong-hyuk's face leading the charge?" He added, "After this experience, it seems that Jang Dong-hyuk's leadership has led to losses. Some have even referred to him as the 'grim reaper of elections.' I believe party members have realized through this election whether Jang's leadership can lead us into the next general election."