Members of the People Power Party's young faction, 'Alternative and Future,' hold a press conference on June 11 at the National Assembly, demanding the resignation of leader Jang Dong-hyuk. [Photo: Yonhap News]
The young faction of the People Power Party, known as 'Alternative and Future,' called for the resignation of leader Jang Dong-hyuk on June 11. They also expressed opposition to his proposal for nationwide re-elections.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly, the faction's secretary, Lee Seong-kwon, stated, "The People Power Party suffered a major defeat in the June 3 local elections. The public has called for a change in the party leadership through this election," urging Jang to step down.
Alternative and Future warned Jang not to taint the issue of voters' rights with unfounded allegations of electoral fraud. Lee emphasized, "We are clearly against nationwide re-elections. It is unacceptable for the leader of a conservative party to undermine the demands of citizens who gathered to protect the integrity of the elections with conspiracy theories of electoral fraud."
Earlier that day, the faction held a breakfast meeting to discuss evaluations and analyses of the local election results. Members expressed a consensus that the People Power Party faced a significant defeat and that Jang should take responsibility.
Following the press conference, lawmaker Kwon Young-jin told reporters, "After internal discussions during the breakfast meeting, we concluded that for conservatism to be reborn and for the People Power Party to re-emerge as a governing party, a change in leadership is necessary."
Lawmaker Woo Jae-jun also stated as he entered the meeting, "The practical term of the current leadership has ended. It is appropriate for Jang to resign to allow the next leadership time to prepare for the 2028 general elections." Lawmaker Song Seok-jun added, "We must not ignore the public sentiment reflected in the local elections and the thoughts of lawmakers during the recent selection process for the floor leader. Jang must make a wise decision based on a comprehensive view of the situation."
Within the People Power Party, interpretations of the local election results vary. Some believe the party performed well by winning the Seoul mayoral election, while others argue that losing 12 out of 16 regional governorships constitutes a major defeat. Those calling for Jang's resignation contend that he played no role in the victory of the Seoul mayoral election.
Supporters of Jang's leadership argue that the party should focus its efforts on investigations and special probes related to the shortage of ballots. They also assert that Jang's two-year term, elected by party members, should be respected. In this context, lawmaker Ko Dong-jin, a businessman, remarked, "While it is important for a company to follow the values pursued by its shareholders, what is even more important than shareholders is the customer. The same applies to politics. Of course, party members are very important, but the voices of the public and the sovereign are even more crucial."
Meanwhile, Alternative and Future expressed the need to convene a general meeting of lawmakers to gather consensus on issues such as Jang's future and the call for nationwide re-elections. They plan to formally request the meeting with floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik later that day.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly, the faction's secretary, Lee Seong-kwon, stated, "The People Power Party suffered a major defeat in the June 3 local elections. The public has called for a change in the party leadership through this election," urging Jang to step down.
Alternative and Future warned Jang not to taint the issue of voters' rights with unfounded allegations of electoral fraud. Lee emphasized, "We are clearly against nationwide re-elections. It is unacceptable for the leader of a conservative party to undermine the demands of citizens who gathered to protect the integrity of the elections with conspiracy theories of electoral fraud."
Earlier that day, the faction held a breakfast meeting to discuss evaluations and analyses of the local election results. Members expressed a consensus that the People Power Party faced a significant defeat and that Jang should take responsibility.
Following the press conference, lawmaker Kwon Young-jin told reporters, "After internal discussions during the breakfast meeting, we concluded that for conservatism to be reborn and for the People Power Party to re-emerge as a governing party, a change in leadership is necessary."
Lawmaker Woo Jae-jun also stated as he entered the meeting, "The practical term of the current leadership has ended. It is appropriate for Jang to resign to allow the next leadership time to prepare for the 2028 general elections." Lawmaker Song Seok-jun added, "We must not ignore the public sentiment reflected in the local elections and the thoughts of lawmakers during the recent selection process for the floor leader. Jang must make a wise decision based on a comprehensive view of the situation."
Within the People Power Party, interpretations of the local election results vary. Some believe the party performed well by winning the Seoul mayoral election, while others argue that losing 12 out of 16 regional governorships constitutes a major defeat. Those calling for Jang's resignation contend that he played no role in the victory of the Seoul mayoral election.
Supporters of Jang's leadership argue that the party should focus its efforts on investigations and special probes related to the shortage of ballots. They also assert that Jang's two-year term, elected by party members, should be respected. In this context, lawmaker Ko Dong-jin, a businessman, remarked, "While it is important for a company to follow the values pursued by its shareholders, what is even more important than shareholders is the customer. The same applies to politics. Of course, party members are very important, but the voices of the public and the sovereign are even more crucial."
Meanwhile, Alternative and Future expressed the need to convene a general meeting of lawmakers to gather consensus on issues such as Jang's future and the call for nationwide re-elections. They plan to formally request the meeting with floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik later that day.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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