Rival Leaders in the People Power Party Vie Individually for Next Power, As Jang's Leadership Persists

Central Ethics Committee to Discuss Disciplinary Measures

Leadership Race Surfaces as Factions Maneuver

Jang Donghyuk Continues Activities Beyond Parliament

As conflicts surrounding the leadership of Jang Donghyuk from the People Power Party show no sign of abating, conservative politicians are now refining their strategies in response to the evolving political landscape. Although an immediate reshuffle of the People Power Party's leadership framework or a realignment in the political arena appears unlikely, these moves are considered groundwork to secure a favorable position in future competitions.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th.

According to political circles on July 20, the Central Ethics Committee of the People Power Party is expected to convene a meeting later this week to discuss disciplinary requests for more than 60 incumbent lawmakers, which were filed around the time of the 9th nationwide local elections. There is widespread speculation both within and outside the party that the committee is highly likely to decide to initiate disciplinary procedures at this meeting. Chief spokesperson Park Sunghoon told reporters that "the Ethics Committee must play a clear role for the party to function properly."

Meanwhile, potential candidates both within and outside the party are seeking to raise their profiles. Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsoo has recently confronted independent lawmaker Han Donghoon and, over the weekend, visited a rally at Olympic Park—typically a gathering spot for hardline conservative groups—aligning himself with Jang's actions. This approach differs from Ahn’s previous stance, which had called for Jang’s conditional resignation.

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon and Assemblyman Han are also making their presence felt. Mayor Oh recently attended a Cabinet meeting to express sharp criticism of the government's real estate policies, while Assemblyman Han has proposed discussions on whether to maintain or abolish supplementary investigative rights to key government figures. Both are also increasing their engagement with incumbent People Power Party lawmakers of late.

Additionally, five-term lawmakers Na Kyungwon, Kwon Youngse, Yoon Sanghyun, and Kim Kimoon are raising their voices. Assemblywoman Na maintains a reserved stance on calls for Jang’s resignation; Assemblyman Kwon adopts a balanced, impartial approach; and Assemblyman Kim, who leads the research group "Future Innovation Forum," has shown a relatively cooperative attitude toward Han, who is a member of that group.

Jang Donghyuk is continuing high-profile activities outside the parliament, visiting civic movements across the country as well as Jamsil Olympic Park. Park Juntae, the chief of staff to the party leader, told reporters that "politicians who do not participate in beautiful civic movements will be shunned by the public," and urged all party lawmakers—regardless of faction or ideology—to join him at the Olympic Park.

Within the party, there is a widespread belief that the current Jang-led leadership will likely persist for now, with competition and shifting alliances among contenders and senior members expected to continue. "In the absence of a clear frontrunner, it’s only natural that those eyeing the future party leadership will become even busier," commented one official from the People Power Party.

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