Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, speaks at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on June 15. [Photo: Yonhap News]
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated on June 15 that referring to the party leadership as a "zombie" is an insult to the supporters who have shown their backing. He made these remarks during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, emphasizing that he wishes to refrain from discussing his own position but feels compelled to speak out against such disrespect toward party members and the public.
He added, "We must unite to complete at least one special investigation regarding the ballot paper issue as a minimum courtesy to the citizens who continue to support us despite their disappointment. Now is the time to focus on the voices of the citizens gathered at Olympic Park."
During the Supreme Council meeting, there were simultaneous attacks and defenses regarding Jang's leadership. Supreme Council member Yang Hyang-ja opened the discussion by stating, "I can't think of any other way to take responsibility for the results of the June 3 local elections. I propose a total resignation of the leadership. That would be a rational path that follows public sentiment."
Yang further remarked, "Unfortunately, the leadership of the People Power Party is being called a zombie leadership. We must step aside as quickly as possible to allow a new leadership to guide the party."
In response, Supreme Council member Cho Kwang-han countered, "If there is no reason to take responsibility, should we resign just because someone says, 'I don't like you'? We must not become foolish politicians who repeat baseless claims without logic or justification."
He noted that the party's approval ratings have significantly increased following the elections, with some polls showing the People Power Party surpassing the Democratic Party. According to a recent poll commissioned by Energy Economy News and conducted by Realmeter from June 11 to 12, the People Power Party garnered a 44.3% approval rating, ahead of the Democratic Party's 38.0%. This marks the first time since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration that the approval ratings have reversed.
The poll surveyed 1,002 voters nationwide using a wireless automated response method, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level and a response rate of 3.8%. For more details, refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.
Park Jun-tae, the party's secretary general, also expressed discomfort, stating after the Supreme Council meeting, "If they feel they should take responsibility, they can do so themselves. Those who continue to focus on undermining the leadership can only be suspected of doing so for their own political gain."
Additionally, it was reported that during a closed-door meeting following the Supreme Council meeting, Secretary General Jeong Hee-yong expressed regret on behalf of the party's secretariat.
Earlier, on June 11, Supreme Council member Woo Jae-jun had also suggested total resignation during a Supreme Council meeting, stating, "Our leadership must pave the way for the next leadership to prepare for the general elections." At that time, Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo strongly opposed, asking, "Why are those who do not properly attend closed meetings trying to act for personal factions rather than the party?"
He added, "We must unite to complete at least one special investigation regarding the ballot paper issue as a minimum courtesy to the citizens who continue to support us despite their disappointment. Now is the time to focus on the voices of the citizens gathered at Olympic Park."
During the Supreme Council meeting, there were simultaneous attacks and defenses regarding Jang's leadership. Supreme Council member Yang Hyang-ja opened the discussion by stating, "I can't think of any other way to take responsibility for the results of the June 3 local elections. I propose a total resignation of the leadership. That would be a rational path that follows public sentiment."
Yang further remarked, "Unfortunately, the leadership of the People Power Party is being called a zombie leadership. We must step aside as quickly as possible to allow a new leadership to guide the party."
In response, Supreme Council member Cho Kwang-han countered, "If there is no reason to take responsibility, should we resign just because someone says, 'I don't like you'? We must not become foolish politicians who repeat baseless claims without logic or justification."
He noted that the party's approval ratings have significantly increased following the elections, with some polls showing the People Power Party surpassing the Democratic Party. According to a recent poll commissioned by Energy Economy News and conducted by Realmeter from June 11 to 12, the People Power Party garnered a 44.3% approval rating, ahead of the Democratic Party's 38.0%. This marks the first time since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration that the approval ratings have reversed.
The poll surveyed 1,002 voters nationwide using a wireless automated response method, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level and a response rate of 3.8%. For more details, refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.
Park Jun-tae, the party's secretary general, also expressed discomfort, stating after the Supreme Council meeting, "If they feel they should take responsibility, they can do so themselves. Those who continue to focus on undermining the leadership can only be suspected of doing so for their own political gain."
Additionally, it was reported that during a closed-door meeting following the Supreme Council meeting, Secretary General Jeong Hee-yong expressed regret on behalf of the party's secretariat.
Earlier, on June 11, Supreme Council member Woo Jae-jun had also suggested total resignation during a Supreme Council meeting, stating, "Our leadership must pave the way for the next leadership to prepare for the general elections." At that time, Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo strongly opposed, asking, "Why are those who do not properly attend closed meetings trying to act for personal factions rather than the party?"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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