Jang Donghyuk: "Party Members Should Decide My Position... Olympic Park Must Not Be Politicized"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated on June 24, "The real owners of the party are the party members, and it is also up to the party members to decide on the party leader. Reforming the party and establishing discipline have become tasks that can no longer be postponed. Opening a true era of party member sovereignty is the most certain way to rebuild conservatism."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, that afternoon, Jang said, "My tenure is not something I can decide at my own discretion, and even less is it an issue for a few lawmakers to determine. What angers party members the most is when the party is shaken and distances itself from both the will of the party and the public." He expressed this view during the event.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, Jeong Jeomsik, floor leader, and other supreme council members are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on June 18, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Jang's remarks on this day are interpreted as a response to calls for his resignation, which have emerged following the results of the 9th Nationwide Local Elections. There has also been speculation both inside and outside the party that Jang and other party leaders may seek a vote of confidence from all party members.

Jang emphasized, "Setting our party straight is the first step toward rebuilding conservatism. I will spare no effort to achieve the genuine conservative renewal that our party members desire. I will carefully listen to the voices of our party members and seek a new path of change and innovation."

Regarding the reorganization of party positions, Jang said, "Now is the time to focus on a special investigation and re-election for the restoration of suffrage, election system reform, and blocking the special prosecutor for withdrawal of prosecution. However, if anything is needed for party reform and the establishment of discipline, I will address it step by step."

Jang also commented on the shortage of ballot papers, saying, "After observing the Special Parliamentary Investigation Committee, I am even more convinced that the only way forward is to conduct a special investigation and hold re-elections. I will make sure to see through the special investigation to restore suffrage and the re-election, alongside the pure-hearted citizens of Olympic Park."

He continued, "However, slogans and banners with specific political agendas are weakening the momentum of resistance and hindering the unity of citizens. The pure spaces of our citizens should not be exploited for political purposes."

Jang also addressed President Lee Jaemyung, stating, "You must not use the misdeeds of a few as an excuse to disparage or trample on the voices of citizens. The majority of citizens gathered at Olympic Park are not protesters. Instead of forcibly dispersing them, you should listen to their voices and provide the answers they seek."

Regarding President Lee's proposal for a one-point constitutional amendment to reform the National Election Commission, Jang said, "While the majority of the public demands a special investigation and re-election, the president has provided no answers on these issues, yet brings up the constitutional amendment that already failed before the local elections. I question the reason for this. If the president continues to parrot only 'constitutional amendment' without once saying 'no to re-election,' the public will again doubt his sincerity."

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