Jang Donghyuk: "Senior Lawmakers' Sacrifice Is Worth Considering for Party Victory, But Now Is Not the Time for Debate" (Comprehensive)

First Anniversary Press Conference
Unveiling People Power Party 2.0: Four Major Innovation Projects

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, announced on August 26, "We will further expand party members' sovereignty by enabling members to directly participate in the election of city and provincial party chairpersons, as well as local party organization chairpersons." He also stated that the evaluation system for elected officials such as National Assembly members would be restructured in line with conservative values.

During a press conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration, held at the party's central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the same day, Jang declared, "I will vigorously push forward 'reform from within' to make the People Power Party a stronger party," unveiling the 'People Power Party 2.0, Four Major Innovation Projects.'

Highlighting party members' sovereignty, he pledged not only the election of city and provincial party chairpersons and local party organization chairpersons by party members, but also the introduction of mobile party membership cards, refinement of the membership system, improvement of the evaluation indicators for party audits, and systematization of member training. To amend the party constitution and regulations, the establishment of a 'Members’ Sovereignty 2.0 Committee' will be pursued. In the Q&A session, Jang remarked, "I believe there are not many lawmakers who would oppose seeking the opinion of regular or responsible party members, in line with the party constitution and regulations, regarding the reappointment of local party organization chairpersons." He added, "As we approach the regular session of the National Assembly, which will require fierce opposition to the ruling party and the Lee Jae-myung administration, debate is focusing on whether it is appropriate to discuss replacing all 254 local party organization chairpersons at this time." He continued, "We will seek rational standards regarding the timing, pace, and method for introducing direct elections for these positions."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference on the first anniversary of his inauguration at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on August 26, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Regarding the idea that senior members should make sacrifices for the party, Jang acknowledged the need to discover new talent but was reserved in his comments. He explained, "The matter you mentioned (the idea of senior members sacrificing for the party) is something that, if necessary for the party's victory at a certain point before the general election, we must seriously consider and debate. However, at this time, when confrontation is needed, it is not a matter for discussion."

By promoting concepts such as 'Livelihood-First Party 2.0,' he also pledged the establishment of a 'Livelihood Vitality PLA Committee.' Jang stated, "To lead on issues in various sectors such as the economy, diplomacy, security, youth, and the future, we will establish a systematic public policy management system that spans on-site inspections (Patrol), legislation, and aftercare."

Additionally, under the banner of 'Communication Party 2.0,' which stresses enhanced communication, Jang committed to regularizing expanded party official meetings. He also said, "We will newly revise the party's platform and basic policies." Jang further pledged to strengthen solidarity with all conservative forces by establishing a "Conservative Identity Establishment Committee." He declared, "We will establish a new evaluation system targeting National Assembly members, metropolitan and basic local government heads, and local council members."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is greeting at the first anniversary press conference of his inauguration as party leader held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul on August 26, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

When asked by reporters about conservative values, Jang explained, "After my inauguration as party leader, I tried to amend the party constitution, rules, and policy platform to align them with conservative values, but due to lack of time ahead of the local elections, that revision work was suspended. I now intend to resume efforts to establish new conservative values as a continuation of those efforts." He said, "The People Power Party has faced various criticisms about whether it has properly established the values and direction of a conservative party," adding, "We will pursue the revision process more rapidly and more thoroughly."

Meanwhile, Jang stated, "If the past year was a time to revive a collapsed party and unite scattered conservatives, from now on, it will be about firmly establishing the foundation for victory." He continued, "Based on a united party spirit, we will now venture into the 'sea of public sentiment.'"

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