Jang Donghyuk: "Do Not Dismiss as Conspiracy Theories, Full Re-Election Needed" Draws Line on Calls for Resignation

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated on June 8 regarding the ballot shortage incident during the 9th nationwide local elections, "If ballot shortages occurred at 67 polling stations across the country, this means the voting rights of citizens nationwide were restricted," adding, "Given the systemic failure, a full re-election is the answer."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly later that afternoon, Jang said, "Branding reasonable suspicions as conspiracy theories must end in a democratic society. The National Election Commission must respond to reasonable suspicions and issues," making the above remarks.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on June 8, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Before the press conference, Jang introduced a conversation he had with Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "Leader Jeong said, 'Since the Democratic Party is also calling for a special investigation, wouldn't it suffice for the People Power Party to announce its acceptance?' I will interpret this as the Democratic Party expressing its willingness to accept a special investigation regarding this incident."

Jang further elaborated on his call for a full re-election, stating, "Ballots must be prepared at polling stations through a strict process by the day before the vote, so any shortage of ballots means an illegal breach of that process." He continued, "Moreover, voting conducted after the exit polls were released at 6 p.m. is an even bigger problem; if ballot counting results were announced before voting was finished, that is an even more serious issue; and if the police transported ballot boxes without any observers present, that would be an even graver problem."

With regard to so-called election fraud conspiracy theories, Jang said, "It's not right to criticize or point fingers at citizens who have questions. The government and the National Election Commission must take the lead in explaining and assuring that there are no procedural or legitimacy issues." He added, "For example, in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, as well as other regions, the early voting turnout rate exactly matches the number of votes. If this is just a coincidence, it should be clearly explained with accurate information."

Jang also commented, "There are ongoing debates about whether this constitutes grounds for a re-election under the Public Official Election Act, whether an appeal, trial, or an annulment of the election verdict is necessary. These are matters for the National Election Commission to address and for the courts to decide." He added, "I believe that politics and the National Assembly must create new paths when faced with unexpected obstacles."

Meanwhile, regarding calls within his party for him to take responsibility for the local election results and clarify his position—separate from the ballot shortage incident—Jang responded, "Let me ask in return: Based on objective data, how do you assess the results of this local election?" This is widely interpreted as a rejection of calls for his resignation.

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