Jang Donghyuk Hospitalized Due to Health Deterioration... Pushes Ahead with Response to Election Commission Crisis Amid Resignation Calls

Accumulated Fatigue From Nationwide Campaigning and Responding to Election Commission Crisis

Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, was hospitalized on June 18, 2026, due to deteriorating health. It has been reported that accumulated fatigue played a role, as he campaigned nationwide during the local elections and, following the elections, focused intensely on responding to the ballot paper shortage crisis.

According to political sources on June 18, Jang visited the hospital that morning after feeling unwell and was subsequently admitted based on medical advice.

Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on June 18, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jang had traveled across the country to support campaigns during the local elections and, after the elections, concentrated the party’s efforts on responding to the ballot paper shortage incident. Party officials stated that Jang’s ongoing strenuous schedule had led to accumulated exhaustion.

In particular, Jang had previously been hospitalized after undertaking an eight-day hunger strike in January to demand the introduction of so-called "dual special prosecutors" to investigate allegations concerning the Unification Church and nomination fund scandals. At that time, he was also admitted due to health issues but returned to party work after being discharged in just four days.

Meanwhile, despite calls from some within the party for his resignation following the defeat in the June 3 local elections, Jang has continued to prioritize uncovering the truth behind the ballot paper shortage and has emphasized the need for election commission reform, maintaining his response efforts on these issues.

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