Jang Donghyuk: "Those Who Attack Their Own Side Practice Subtractive Politics... Han Donghoon Was Expelled for Criminal Acts"

Jang Draws the Line on Calls for Resignation Within the Party

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated on July 10, "People say not to engage in subtractive politics, but the biggest negative is when someone points their gun at their own side. There is no greater subtraction than that."

Jang expressed these views during his appearance on the Newdaily YouTube channel that day. He remarked, "Some claim that constantly telling the leader to step down is additive politics, while insisting that it is right to address those in our party who have committed acts of disloyalty is considered subtractive politics. In reality, making such arguments is the true subtractive politics."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on July 9, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jang pointed out, "During the election process, there were claims that supporting a candidate from another party or an independent, rather than our own party's candidate, is a serious act of disloyalty." He continued, "Such acts are akin to firing at our own side in a war and helping the enemy. I cannot understand the logic that says these are not acts of disloyalty, and that addressing them is what constitutes subtractive politics."

Jang's remarks refer to the fact that lawmakers from the pro-Han Donghoon faction supported lawmaker Han Donghoon, who ran as an independent instead of the party's candidate Park Minshik, during the Busan Buk-gap National Assembly by-election. He made these comments in response to growing opposition within the party after the central ethics committee began discussions this week on disciplinary action against the lawmakers involved.

Regarding the possibility of disciplinary action against lawmakers such as Cho Kyungtae, who were criticized for disloyalty during last month's election for deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Jang clarified, "I have never specifically named anyone who should be disciplined," and added, "It is those who feel guilty who are coming forward and asking why they are being targeted for discipline."

When asked if his remarks about permanently banning individuals who commit acts of disloyalty from rejoining the party were aimed at a particular lawmaker, Jang replied, "Han was expelled for criminal acts, not for disloyalty." He continued, "The issue with the party member bulletin board was a criminal act. I hope people think carefully and criticize based on the actual grounds for Han's expulsion."

Jang also reaffirmed at this meeting that he has no intention of stepping down. When asked whether he is looking ahead to the presidential election, he said, "The direction and actions of a politician are ultimately decided by the party members and the people," and added, "If opening an era of party member sovereignty and rebuilding conservatism is necessary, then I must firmly maintain my position and focus on rebuilding conservatism, even if some lawmakers call for my resignation."

Regarding the incident during the last local elections that led to the infringement of citizens' suffrage rights, he once again emphasized, "A complete re-election must be held."

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