Alternatives and Future Urges Jang Donghyuk to Resign... "Will Seek Meeting with Floor Leader to Convene General Assembly"

"Conspiracy Theories About Election Fraud and a Nationwide Reelection Are Unacceptable"

The reformist group within the People Power Party, "Alternatives and Future," announced on June 11 that it would seek a meeting with Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sik to convene a general assembly of lawmakers, calling for the resignation of People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk. The group also voiced its opposition to Jang's claims of an election fraud conspiracy and his demand for nationwide re-elections.

Lawmakers Lee Sungwon, Kwon Youngjin, Park Jeongha, Ko Dongjin, Ahn Sanghun, Kim Geon, Kim Sohui, Kim Jaeseop, and Kim Yongtae, all members of "Alternatives and Future," held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center that morning to announce their position.

Members of the People Power Party's reformist group "Alternatives and Future," centered around first- and second-term lawmakers, including Secretary Lee Sungwon (fourth from the left), held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center on the 11th, demanding the resignation of Representative Jang Donghyuk. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Lee Sungwon, secretary of "Alternatives and Future," stated, "The People Power Party suffered a crushing defeat in the June 3 local elections," and emphasized, "Jang Donghyuk's leadership has collapsed, and the responsibility lies solely with Jang Donghyuk's leadership team." He continued, "Through this election, the public has called for a change in the party leadership," adding, "Conservatives have always placed importance on 'responsibility.' If Jang truly considers himself a conservative, he should now step down from his position."

Lee also said, "I strongly sympathize with the anger of the 2030 generation. However, I am clearly opposed to nationwide re-elections." He further stated, "As the representative of a conservative party, it is absolutely unacceptable to taint the demands of citizens, who have gathered to safeguard the fairness of elections—the flower of democracy—with conspiracy theories about election fraud." He stressed, "Do not contaminate the infringement of the people's voting rights due to the ballot paper shortage with unfounded election fraud conspiracy theories."

He also criticized, "Jang made no effort to consult or have any discussion with party-affiliated lawmakers regarding this issue, which should be addressed within the National Assembly by identifying the faults and fixing the system. By unilaterally deciding to raise allegations of election fraud, Jang has denied and damaged the very democratic principles of the party."

"Alternatives and Future" plans to request Floor Leader Jeong to convene a general assembly of lawmakers to build consensus on this issue. After the press conference, Lee told reporters, "We plan to request a meeting with the new floor leader to demand the assembly," adding, "We will try to meet as soon as possible, even within today." According to him, if the meeting is arranged immediately, it could take place later this afternoon.

Kwon Youngjin said, "The infringement of voting rights must not become an excuse or tool for the party leadership, which bears responsibility for the defeat, to extend its power," adding, "Without Jang Donghyuk, the National Assembly and the party are fully capable of correcting this issue." Ko Dongjin stated, "What matters more than party members are the voices of the people and the sovereigns. Rather than focusing on the two-year term given by party members, we must look at public sentiment and reflect upon it."

Meanwhile, at an earlier Supreme Council meeting on the same day, Jang Donghyuk responded to ongoing calls for his resignation by saying, "If you are going to demand a particular course of action or open that path for the party leadership, the 110 lawmakers must first provide an answer as to how to resolve this ballot paper shortage issue."

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