Park Calls for Party Unity Under Leadership, Warns Against Internal Hatred, but Interpretations Vary

2026 People Power Party Parliamentary Retreat

Differing interpretations have emerged within the People Power Party regarding a congratulatory message delivered by former President Park Geun-hye at a party retreat. While some say her remarks were a show of support for party leadership, others view them as merely ceremonial. Meanwhile, some point out that the very appearance of an impeached former president underscores the party’s current lack of a central unifying figure.

Yonhap News

Yu Young-ha, an assemblyman who acts as spokesperson for former President Park, appeared on KBS's “Jeonggyeok Sisa” program on the morning of August 28, saying, “(Former President Park) stated that the party should unite around its leader, but also that the leadership must carefully heed the will of the people.” He added, “Rather than siding with any one group, she was speaking in general principles.”

Former President Park attended the People Power Party’s retreat held in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, the previous day at the invitation of floor leader Jeong Jeong-sik. In her congratulatory speech, she emphasized, “The party must unite around the leadership,” “There is no enemy more frightening than internal division,” and “Although there are diverse opinions within the party, we must not hate or deny each other.”

Interpretations of her message vary. Representative Jang Dong-hyuk stated, “We will take her words about rallying around party leadership to heart.” On the other hand, those outside the party’s mainstream are largely dismissive. Assemblyman Yoon Sang-hyun, a former member of the pro-Park faction who recently has been at odds with the party leadership, described her remarks as “general words of loyalty.”

This is the first time former President Park has attended an official party event since her impeachment in 2017. It is also unprecedented for a former president to participate in such a party retreat. A party official noted, “Floor leader Jeong Jeong-sik also plans to meet former President Lee Myung-bak. Regardless of circumstances, both former presidents wield significant appeal with the party’s traditional base.”

However, there are considerable concerns inside and outside the party regarding a reliance on past leadership that has been impeached or convicted of criminal offenses. The ruling party immediately lashed out, calling the situation “a truly bizarre regression.” One first-term assemblyman said, “We extended the invitation because the party is desperate for a focal point, but I am worried about the image this sends externally.”

Meanwhile, floor leader Jeong Jeong-sik announced plans to mount an offensive against the government on key livelihood issues such as real estate and the stock market during the September regular session of the National Assembly. He said, “Please pay special attention to issues closely tied to the people’s assets,” adding, “Controversies such as single-stock leveraged ETFs and the use of the National Pension to boost the stock market will be thoroughly investigated during the National Assembly audit.”

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