The meeting, which lasted about three hours, focused on Jang's leadership and the filing of election appeals. Tensions flared from the outset, particularly between the pro-Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon) faction and members of the reformist group 'Alternative and Future,' who have been vocal about holding Jang accountable for the election results.
Lawmaker Song Seok-jun requested to speak publicly during the meeting but was urged by other members to address the issue in a closed session. He responded, "Isn't our party in a state of disconnection, reflecting the worst image possible?" Park Jun-tae, the party leader's secretary, retorted, "Then go outside and speak."r />
After the meeting, Song told reporters, "I politely suggested that Jang consider resigning. While the party leader's term is two years, it is not a guaranteed term as defined by the constitution or law; it is a term of responsibility." He warned that if Jang does not resign, he may face ridicule similar to that of a previous party leader. He emphasized the urgency of revitalizing the party to win the 2028 general elections, stating, "We need to transform quickly to meet the expectations of the public."r />
Other lawmakers, including Kwon Young-jin, Park Hyung-soo, Shin Sung-bum, Yoon Han-hong, and Lee Jong-bae, also expressed the need for Jang's resignation.
In contrast, Park Jun-tae argued that the 'Alternative and Future' group should be dissolved, stating, "I demand the dissolution of Alternative and Future. If not, I will call it a future without alternatives." He criticized the group for consistently demanding Jang's resignation without presenting any viable alternatives, questioning whether removing the leader was more important than protecting the public's right to participate in governance.
The meeting also saw disagreements over the scope of election appeals related to a shortage of ballots. Jang advocated for filing appeals in all 16 provinces, while floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik suggested limiting the appeals to about six or seven regions.
After extensive discussion, the People Power Party reached a consensus to proceed with election appeals in seven metropolitan areas. Chief spokesperson Choi Eun-seok informed reporters after the meeting that there were four proposals regarding the election appeals, ranging from filing appeals in all 16 regions to not filing any at all. He noted that a majority of the attending lawmakers conveyed their preference for a limited appeal in seven regions to Jang. The seven regions selected for the appeals are Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Gwangju, Ulsan, Busan, and Chungbuk.
Choi added, "The party leader has stated he will respect the opinions expressed in the meeting, so the final decision will likely rest with him," and confirmed that there would not be a separate Supreme Council meeting.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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