People Power Party leadership, including Secretary General Jeong Hee-yong (from left), Woo Jae-jun, Yang Hyang-ja, Shin Dong-wook, floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik, and Kim Min-soo, held a Supreme Council meeting on the 22nd without leader Jang Dong-hyuk. [Photo=Yonhap News]
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is facing a delayed return to party duties following his hospitalization on June 18 due to health issues. Analysts speculate that upon his return, Jang may make personnel changes, including appointing a new policy chair, in response to growing calls for his resignation.
On June 22, Park Jun-tae, Jang's secretary, told reporters at the National Assembly that, "Due to medical advice, Jang will not be discharged today as he needs to continue treatment for the time being." He added, "We will inform you as soon as a timeline for his return to party duties is established."
According to Park, medical professionals have assessed that Jang's physical condition has significantly deteriorated. His health metrics are reportedly similar to those observed when he was hospitalized earlier this year after an eight-day fast, with some indicators even worse. Park noted, "Jang is determined to return within this week, but we need to monitor his progress a bit longer."
As Jang has not appeared in public for five days, speculation is rising that he is preparing to implement changes to party personnel to shift the current atmosphere upon his return. This could include filling the vacant policy chair position, which would enhance his control over the party.
This speculation comes amid increasing pressure for Jang to resign. Recently, Supreme Council members Yang Hyang-ja and Woo Jae-jun proposed a complete resignation of the leadership during a Supreme Council meeting. Additionally, a group of first- and second-term lawmakers, known as "Alternatives and Future," has officially demanded Jang's resignation, and his future has become a topic of discussion in the party's general assembly. Thus, there is a possibility that Jang may make strategic appointments upon his return after a week away.
In this context, Park Seong-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, stated to reporters, "Jang is listening to various voices and is aware of the need for a restructuring to redefine the party's direction and lead innovation and reform." However, Park clarified that he has not received any directives from Jang regarding personnel changes, indicating that no practical discussions have taken place.
Meanwhile, as the leadership gap continues due to Jang's hospitalization, there are concerns within the party about politically interpreting his health situation. Shin Dong-wook, the chief supreme council member, urged caution during the Supreme Council meeting, saying, "Jang's health is in a very poor state. This is not a matter of anything other than health. I ask that we refrain from analyzing or interpreting his hospitalization as a ploy to avoid internal issues."
On June 22, Park Jun-tae, Jang's secretary, told reporters at the National Assembly that, "Due to medical advice, Jang will not be discharged today as he needs to continue treatment for the time being." He added, "We will inform you as soon as a timeline for his return to party duties is established."
According to Park, medical professionals have assessed that Jang's physical condition has significantly deteriorated. His health metrics are reportedly similar to those observed when he was hospitalized earlier this year after an eight-day fast, with some indicators even worse. Park noted, "Jang is determined to return within this week, but we need to monitor his progress a bit longer."
As Jang has not appeared in public for five days, speculation is rising that he is preparing to implement changes to party personnel to shift the current atmosphere upon his return. This could include filling the vacant policy chair position, which would enhance his control over the party.
This speculation comes amid increasing pressure for Jang to resign. Recently, Supreme Council members Yang Hyang-ja and Woo Jae-jun proposed a complete resignation of the leadership during a Supreme Council meeting. Additionally, a group of first- and second-term lawmakers, known as "Alternatives and Future," has officially demanded Jang's resignation, and his future has become a topic of discussion in the party's general assembly. Thus, there is a possibility that Jang may make strategic appointments upon his return after a week away.
In this context, Park Seong-hoon, the party's chief spokesperson, stated to reporters, "Jang is listening to various voices and is aware of the need for a restructuring to redefine the party's direction and lead innovation and reform." However, Park clarified that he has not received any directives from Jang regarding personnel changes, indicating that no practical discussions have taken place.
Meanwhile, as the leadership gap continues due to Jang's hospitalization, there are concerns within the party about politically interpreting his health situation. Shin Dong-wook, the chief supreme council member, urged caution during the Supreme Council meeting, saying, "Jang's health is in a very poor state. This is not a matter of anything other than health. I ask that we refrain from analyzing or interpreting his hospitalization as a ploy to avoid internal issues."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.