Jang Dong-hyuk Signals Disciplinary Action Amid Calls for Resignation in People Power Party

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is escalating tensions within the party by hinting at disciplinary actions in response to ongoing calls for his resignation. He has framed the criticisms regarding leadership accountability raised during the June 3 local elections as actions that undermine party discipline. Concerns are growing that the current disciplinary climate may mirror past actions targeting figures such as former leader Han Dong-hoon, as well as lawmakers Baek Hyun-jin and Kim Jong-hyuk.

According to political sources on June 28, Jang returned to party duties six days after being hospitalized and announced his intention to pursue disciplinary measures. In a press conference shortly after his discharge, he stated, "I will establish party discipline," and emphasized during an appearance on the Dailey News YouTube channel on June 26 that it is time to address the disciplinary issues that have been postponed since the local elections.

He pointed out, "It has become a pattern where demands for the leadership's resignation are made at every opportunity, while the party fails to focus on essential tasks such as protecting voting rights, special investigations, and committee allocations."

The targets of potential disciplinary actions are expected to include some pro-Han lawmakers who supported the former leader during the local elections, as well as members of the 'Alternatives and Future' faction who have been calling for Jang's resignation. Jang remarked that there is a need to address the actions undermining the leadership under the guise of innovation and alternatives, stating, "We must thoroughly review all matters, as there are already requests for disciplinary actions against those who supported Han."

Additionally, in a YouTube segment with Pen & Mic, he criticized lawmakers Kim Yong-tae, Kim Jae-seop, and Woo Jae-jun, saying, "They hide when it’s time to fight against the enemy but are the first to speak out against the leadership within the party."

In response, the targeted pro-Han and 'Alternatives and Future' lawmakers pushed back against Jang's comments. Lawmaker Kim Jae-seop stated on Facebook, "If shaking the Jang Dong-hyuk leadership was part of the battle that led to victory in the Seoul mayoral election as the campaign chair, I would gladly accept any disciplinary action. Jang should initiate the disciplinary process against me immediately."

Lawmaker Kim Yong-tae argued, "The evaluation of the party leadership was concluded in the last general meeting. The cause of the party's division lies with the leadership's extreme policies," and called for a transition to an emergency response committee for party unity before the regular National Assembly session begins, followed by the election of a leadership team to secure victory in the upcoming general elections.

The 'Alternatives and Future' faction issued a statement saying, "Even after the election defeat, we see no reflection or remorse from Jang. Instead, we only see a narrow-minded leadership that threatens disciplinary action against healthy criticism within the party. We urge him to recognize the party's direction and public sentiment and take responsibility as promised."

While Jang has indicated a move toward disciplinary actions, analysts warn that such measures could backfire. His leadership within the party is already shaky, making it difficult to garner support for any disciplinary initiatives. Previously, Jang's leadership expelled Han and imposed significant penalties on Baek and Kim, including one and two years of suspension from party membership, respectively. However, these penalties were rendered ineffective when a court granted a stay on their enforcement.