[Jang Donghyuk Draws the Sword: "It's Time to Respond to Disciplinary Requests... Party Culture Must Change for Conservative Renewal"]

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, addressed the recent calls for his resignation both inside and outside the party on June 26, stating, "I will establish discipline within the party." He added, "The party is not operating normally right now. There have been many requests for disciplinary action on issues that were postponed after the local elections. It's time to respond, regardless of what the conclusion may be."

Appearing on the Maeil Newspaper’s YouTube program ‘News Cabinet’ that morning, Jang said, "Some lawmakers see the party leader as a shield to get through difficult times and believe they can remove the leader whenever they feel dissatisfied. Changing this mindset within the party is the starting point for conservative reconstruction," he explained.

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 Kim Hyunmin

Regarding the recent situation within the party, Jang stated, "Before and during the local elections, various internal issues arose, and there were many controversies over misconduct. While there were opinions calling for strong measures, I consistently said that there would be no disciplinary actions before the elections." He continued, "There is a perception that shaking up the leadership at any time is considered renewal or innovation for the party, but I believe this needs to be corrected now."

Jang also commented on the party’s reformist group, ‘Alternative and Future,’ as well as the pro-Han faction, saying, "Continuing attacks on the leadership are neither innovation nor renewal. The practice of shaking up the leadership without justification, under the banners of innovation, alternatives, or the future, must be put to an end." Regarding requests from groups like ‘Alternative and Future’ for discipline against people such as Chief Secretary Park Juntae, he said, "Is it appropriate to repeatedly discuss leadership change and react defensively without accepting even legitimate criticism?"

On the issue of the previous disciplinary action by the party’s Ethics Committee being overturned at the court’s injunction stage, Jang said, "This time, decisive action is needed. We must review disciplinary matters more thoroughly, both procedurally and substantively, to prevent new controversies in the courts as happened before." He also noted, regarding pro-Han lawmakers who supported external figures like independent lawmaker Han Donghoon in elections, "We need to comprehensively review all matters for which disciplinary requests have been submitted."

Addressing concerns that disciplining incumbent lawmakers could deepen internal conflict, Jang asserted, "Whether a person is an incumbent or not should not be a factor in issues of misconduct or discipline. This is a matter of principles and standards, and it is inappropriate to apply different measures in the process of establishing party discipline."

When asked about the possibility of resolving the situation through an all-member vote or a confidence vote, Jang responded, "I doubt the party would remain quiet just because I receive a vote of confidence. Just as things were briefly calm before the local elections, even if a confidence vote is held, there will only be a temporary lull before calls for the leadership’s resignation resume. Even if a new leadership is elected, if people are dissatisfied, they will try to shake the leadership again to return to an emergency committee system."

Regarding concerns about his lack of a strong support base within the party, Jang said, "Conservative reconstruction is not possible with an approach that seeks to secure nominations or seize party control through internal strife. While it may be true that my support base within the assembly is not large, what matters most in establishing discipline in the party are justification and principles. I believe party members will support me."

He further commented on party sentiment, saying, "Lawmakers are making various remarks on major issues, but most of these are out of touch with the party’s core sentiment. The party should be centered on its members. Those who continue to make arguments that diverge from party sentiment are making things difficult for our party and are engaging in misconduct."

Regarding the media landscape, Jang concluded, "I firmly state that I do not believe traditional conservative media covers issues fairly. Even during the party leadership race and after the local elections, the voices of non-mainstream lawmakers have been continually amplified, and lawmakers have used those media outlets to attack the leadership. This pattern has persisted."

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