"Establishing Discipline": Jang Signals Hardline Stance as Intra-Party Disputes Intensify

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, who is at the center of calls for resignation, has signaled a hardline approach, declaring that he will "establish discipline within the party." Internal disputes within the party are also intensifying.

On June 25, the People Power Party held a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly and appointed four media spokespersons. Since returning to party work, Jang has made it clear that he rejects calls for his resignation both inside and outside the party, and he continues to pursue his own path, including making personnel appointments.

There is also speculation that Jang may wield disciplinary measures that he had postponed after the election. Cho Gwanghan, a Supreme Council member close to Jang, stated the previous day, "I am requesting the Ethics Committee to expel lawmakers from the pro-Han faction and Alternative and Future who are stirring up trouble." However, no related discussions took place at the meeting on this day.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on June 25, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Woo Jaejun, a Supreme Council member from the pro-Han faction, told reporters, "It is inappropriate to insist on establishing party discipline without addressing reasonable concerns raised within the party." Song Seokjun, a lawmaker from Alternative and Future, also said, "If you want to enforce discipline, start with those closest to you." That morning, Alternative and Future, a group of junior lawmakers, held a breakfast meeting to discuss their response. The group plans to issue a statement countering Jang's recent actions.

The party mainstream is seeking an "orderly resignation." Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik has recently been meeting with lawmakers by seniority to gather opinions. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, at a forum hosted by former pro-Yoon lawmakers the previous day, took a reserved position, saying, "There is no need to fight bitterly when there isn't even an imminent election." A lawmaker from Alternative and Future also remarked, "Forcibly dragging someone out is not a good approach."

Supreme Council member Kim Jaewon appeared on MBC's "Kim Jongbae's Focus" and said, "As a member of the party leadership, I hope the party leader restores his leadership, but if he loses all authority, it will be difficult for him to fulfill his role." He added, "Many members of the National Assembly are uncomfortable with dealing with this issue (resignation) immediately." Reported by Kim Pyunghwa and Yoo Jaehoon.

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