Jang Donghyuk Raises the Stakes... People Power Party Faces Rising Tensions Over "Disciplinary Politics"

Central Ethics Committee Held Closed-Door Plenary Session

'Alternatives and Future' Group: "We Oppose Disciplinary Politics"

As Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has been ramping up disciplinary measures within the party since his return, internal backlash is mounting. However, given Jang's strong determination, it is unlikely that the conflict will subside easily.

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on July 6, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On the morning of July 7, 'Alternative and Future', a group of reform-minded lawmakers within the party, held a breakfast meeting at the National Assembly Members' Office Building to express concerns over potential disciplinary action as the Central Ethics Committee resumes operations. Lee Sung-kwon, secretary of the group, said, "After the crushing defeat in the local elections, Jang has chosen not to pursue politics of unity and inclusion, but instead has revived disciplinary politics. This is aimed at removing political opponents and extending his own political life," adding, "We oppose this."

The lawmakers also criticized Jang's remarks at the Supreme Council meeting the previous day, where he stated that 'those guilty of serious acts against the party should be permanently banned from reinstatement.' Assemblyman Ahn Sang-hoon commented, "Politics is about resolving issues, but it seems conflict is continually being stoked." Assemblyman Park Jeong-ha said, "The diagnosis and prescription are both wrong. This is not something that can be solved with a home remedy instead of a general hospital."

Previously, the party's Central Ethics Committee held a closed plenary session at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the previous day to review disciplinary requests submitted before and after the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections. As it became known that dozens of cases were under review, speculation is growing that not only pro-Han Dong-hoon members but also several non-mainstream lawmakers, including those belonging to 'Alternative and Future,' may be targeted.

Jeong Jeom-sik, the party's floor leader, and senior lawmakers are expressing concern over these developments. Lee Jong-bae, a four-term lawmaker known for his relatively neutral stance, said, "Disciplinary actions that stifle communication bring only internal strife and conflict to the party," adding, "They do nothing but undermine unity."

On the other hand, some lawmakers from the party's mainstream argue that discipline is inevitable, calling it "a matter of party discipline and principles," further amplifying discord within the party. Both inside and outside the party, there is a prevailing view that, given Jang's consistent emphasis on the need for disciplinary action, he is unlikely to halt his course despite internal opposition.

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