Election Rerun Protester, Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk's Solo Act Draws Criticism

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk joined a protest at an election counting site, vocally demanding a rerun of the recent election. Wearing a mask and cap, Jang was photographed waving a flag he had personally inscribed with the words "Rerun Election" and participating in chants with demonstrators at the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Seoul.

“

The Olympic Park has already become a 'holy site of democracy.' The slogan is only one: 'Rerun Election.' I am also just one citizen here.

Footage from the protest shows Jang singing the national anthem and raising his arm in a salute during a "Long live the Republic of Korea" chant. He also joined a group of Christians singing hymns. Many protesters did not recognize him due to his mask.

“

The ballot paper shortage situation should not be used as a shield to cover up responsibility for the election defeat. It is a very cowardly act.

Later, Jang gave a brief interview to a conservative YouTuber, expressing gratitude for support and reiterating his call for a rerun election and the abolition of early voting. He had previously posted on social media that the Olympic Park had become a "holy site of democracy" with the singular slogan of "Rerun Election."

“

Normally, leadership that loses an election announces their resignation. I believe he will make a wise judgment.

However, within his own party, Jang faces criticism. Some members view his persistent calls for a rerun election as a "shield" to avoid accountability for the party's electoral losses and to maintain his leadership position. Six-term lawmaker Cho Kyeong-tae called Jang's actions "cowardly" and suggested he should address his own political future before focusing on election rerun demands. Other party members echoed these sentiments, urging Jang to make a "wise judgment" regarding his position and emphasizing that election rerun issues should be decided through legal processes after a thorough investigation.

“

Jang Dong-hyuk's demand for a nationwide rerun election is difficult to see as the party's overall voice. I hope Jang Dong-hyuk, rather than linking the rerun election claims at Olympic Park with the leadership's position, will calmly deliberate internally on what is necessary for the party.