[Editorial] Jang Dong-hyuk's pathetic lies leave no room for choice

The leader of the People Power Party, Jang Dong-hyuk, finds himself embroiled in a controversy surrounding his recent U.S. visit, with accusations of fabricating or exaggerating his meetings with American officials. The core of the issue lies in the alleged misrepresentation of a meeting with a U.S. State Department official, which Jang initially described as being with a "deputy assistant secretary" level, implying a significant diplomatic engagement. However, subsequent reports suggest the official was a "deputy assistant secretary's office chief," a considerably lower-ranking position.

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The level of deputy assistant secretary was not clearly stated, and there was an error in notation by the staff member who wrote it as 'deputy assistant secretary'.

This discrepancy has led to sharp criticism, with the Hankyoreh newspaper labeling Jang's explanation as "pathetic lies" and "pathetic excuses." The article highlights that while a "deputy assistant secretary" in the U.S. State Department is a mid-level official, the chief of their office is merely a staff assistant. This distinction is crucial, especially for a leader of a major political party in South Korea, where diplomatic protocol and the perceived stature of meetings are often closely scrutinized. The situation is further compounded by the fact that Jang failed to secure meetings with higher-profile figures like Vice President Kamala Harris or Secretary of State Antony Blinken, or even Senator JD Vance, as had been hinted at prior to his trip.

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If you step down when the situation is not good, it is not the attitude of a responsible politician. It is not Jang Dong-hyuk's politics either.

The controversy is particularly damaging for Jang and his party, the People Power Party, which has seen its approval ratings plummet to record lows. The article points out that Jang's attempts to quell internal dissent by threatening disciplinary action against party members who deviate from his line are being perceived as "overreaching" and "turning the tables" in a desperate attempt to maintain control. The pressure on Jang is mounting, with calls for his resignation or a change in leadership becoming more vocal, both from within the party and from the public, as evidenced by remarks from a provincial governor suggesting Jang needs to "resolve the situation he created."

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For candidates, it is frustrating. Resolution is needed.