The People Power Party convened a three-hour general meeting at the National Assembly to discuss Jang's leadership and the filing of election appeals. Prior to the meeting, members of the pro-Han (pro-Han Dong-hoon) faction and the reformist group 'Alternative and Future' raised concerns about Jang's accountability for the election losses, leading to a tense exchange over public comments as the meeting commenced.
Lawmaker Song Seok-jun requested to speak publicly during the meeting, but other members urged him to address the gathering privately. He responded, "Isn't our party in a state of disconnection, resulting in the worst image it has ever had?" Park Jun-tae, the party leader's secretary, retorted, "Then go outside and speak."
After the meeting, Song told reporters, "I politely suggested that Jang consider resigning. Although the party leader's term is two years, it is not a guaranteed term as defined by the constitution or law; it is an accountability-based term." He warned, "If he does not resign, he will inevitably be labeled as a 'loser' like a former party leader. Time is of the essence to win the 2028 general election. The party must undergo a transformation to meet the public's expectations and innovate quickly."
In addition to Song, lawmakers Kwon Young-jin, Park Hyung-soo, Shin Sung-bum, Yoon Han-hong, and Lee Jong-bae also reportedly expressed the need for Jang's resignation.
Conversely, Park Jun-tae argued that the Alternative and Future group should be dismantled, stating, "I demand the dissolution of Alternative and Future. If not, I will call it a future without alternatives."
He continued, "I have observed the activities of lawmakers over the past six months. Yet, they have consistently demanded the leader's resignation without presenting any alternatives. Is removing the party leader more important than protecting the public's right to participate in governance?"
The general meeting also saw disagreements regarding 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 6 or 7 regions.
After extensive discussions, the People Power Party reached a consensus to proceed with election appeals in seven metropolitan areas. Chief Spokesperson Choi Eun-seok told reporters after the meeting, "There were four proposals regarding the election appeals, ranging from filing in all 16 regions to not filing at all. The majority of lawmakers present today conveyed to the leader that it would be advisable to limit the appeals to about seven regions." The seven regions where the People Power Party plans to file appeals include Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Gwangju, Ulsan, Busan, and Chungbuk.
Choi added, "The party leader has stated that he will respect the opinions from the general meeting, so the final decision will likely rest with him. There will not be a separate Supreme Council meeting."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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