Jang Holds "Election Fraud" Placard: "Does Terminology Matter?" vs. "Self-Defeating Move"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has sparked controversy after attending a rally at Jamsil Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, which is currently being held in response to the ballot paper shortage crisis. Jang was seen holding a sign that read "fraudulent election." When questioned, Jang commented, "Does the terminology really matter?" However, non-mainstream factions within his party have criticized the move, calling it "inappropriate" and a "self-defeating act."

According to political circles on June 11, a photo of Jang wearing a hat and mask at the Jamsil Olympic Park rally on the night of June 9 was posted on social media networks. In the photo, Jang is holding a sign that reads "fraudulent election," "re-election," "same-day voting," and "manual counting."

Yonhap News Agency

Non-mainstream members within the party have voiced strong criticism. Kim Yongtae, a member of the People Power Party, told reporters before the breakfast meeting of the party's reformist group "Alternatives and Future," "He may think he has crossed the Rubicon, but in reality, he has cut off his own retreat and made a self-defeating move." Assemblyman Kwon Youngjin also commented, "This is simply excessive."

Woo Jaejun, a Supreme Council member considered close to pro-mainstream factions, said, "Of course, Jang only held the sign and did not directly chant about a fraudulent election. However, we must not display an attitude of refusing to accept the will of the people expressed through voting, which is why I oppose claims of a fraudulent election. In this regard, I wish he had been more cautious."

There was also criticism of Jang's argument for a re-election. Assemblyman Ko Dongjin pointed out, "All three candidates who ran for the floor leader election opposed this idea," adding, "It is something to be judged only after reaching a conclusion through various procedures, such as a special prosecutor." Assemblyman Um Taeyoung also commented, "If the parties involved do not agree, it cannot happen."

On the other hand, Jang told reporters at the National Assembly the previous day, "I was merely holding a canvas (sign) created by the citizens," adding, "Is the terminology really important? Attempts to belittle the voices of citizens are unacceptable."

Jang further explained, "Those present at the rally are focused on a single issue: the shortage of ballot papers. Whether you define it as a fraudulent election or a poorly managed election, the facts that have been revealed do not change. The only things to focus on are the shortage of ballot papers, infringement of suffrage, deprivation of voting rights, and the call to resolve these issues through a re-election."

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