Jang Donghyuk: "The Public Wants a Reelection"... Demands Talks with President Lee

To Citizens at Olympic Park: "An Orderly Civil Resistance Movement"

Proposes Formation of a National Assembly Special Investigation Committee to the Democratic Party

Donghyuk Jang, leader of the People Power Party, virtually called for a 'reelection' in response to the ballot paper shortage incident during the June 3 local elections, and demanded that President Jaemyung Lee hold talks on the matter.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, holds a press conference on the 7th at the National Assembly regarding the ballot paper shortage issue that arose during the June 3 local elections. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the 7th, Jang stated, "The public wants a reelection, but if this is glossed over with a superficial parliamentary investigation, or if the ruling party tries to sweep it under the rug with a special prosecutor of their own choosing, or if they try to resolve it simply by replacing a few election commission staff members, the anger of the people, which is spreading like wildfire, can never be quelled."

He added, "Right now, there are citizens at Olympic Park calling for a reelection, and even though most people cannot be there in person, the majority who are watching online and supporting are all asking for this flawed election to be corrected once and for all. This is not an issue limited to just one or two locations, and it is not something that can be left out of discussion just because People Power Party candidates won in certain regions. The stage where parties decide on reelection based on political gain or loss has long since passed."

Regarding the citizens gathered in front of the Songpa Olympic Park ballot counting center, Jang said, "Who dares to call them 'protesters'? Who would dare to call this situation a 'disturbance'? This is an orderly civil resistance movement," and continued, "The outcry that began in Jamsil is spreading across the country like wildfire. Citizens calling for a reelection are voluntarily coming out to the streets nationwide."

He went on to say, "We have reached a point where this can no longer be overlooked," and demanded, "I call for an immediate meeting with President Jaemyung Lee. I want to meet the President directly, convey the voices of the people, and hear a responsible answer from him."

Jang further stated, "It can be today, and any format is acceptable," adding, "If the President irresponsibly embarks on an overseas trip without addressing all these issues, he will face even greater resistance from the people."

Addressing the Democratic Party and its leader Cheongrae Jeong, he said, "Let us immediately form a National Assembly special committee to investigate the matter, and launch a special prosecutor as soon as possible. The National Assembly must do its part to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable," adding, "Many citizens already believe that Jaemyung Lee, the Democratic Party, and the election commission are all accomplices in causing this incident."

When asked whether his criticism of the flawed election is an attempt to dismiss calls for his resignation following the party's defeat, Jang replied, "I suggest anyone talking about my resignation visit Olympic Park. What is truly important to us right now? If the demand from the public is to fight alongside them, then trying to tie this issue to my own position is not appropriate at all."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.