Jang Dong-hyuk flexes political muscle at Liberation Day rally

Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of South Korea's People Power Party (PPP), asserted his political influence by holding a large rally at Olympic Park on Liberation Day, August 15. Attended by approximately 20 incumbent lawmakers, supreme council members, and local chapter chairmen, the event, themed 'Defense of the Right to Participate,' was framed as a display of Jang's command within the party. Jang wore a necklace featuring the face of former President Syngman Rhee and read Rhee's speech from the 1948 government inauguration ceremony. During his address, Jang criticized the current administration, stating, "Our ancestors sacrificed their lives to overthrow dictatorship and establish democracy. But (President Lee Jae-myung) is pushing for constitutional amendments to bring and extend that dictatorship in Korea." He questioned, "If the South Korean president was changed by stealing our votes, where can we find the lost South Korea?" The rally's scale suggested a significant show of force by Jang, particularly as a special prosecutor investigation into the National Election Commission is expected soon. Jang has also signaled intentions to reform party discipline, including potential reshuffles of local chapter leaders and disciplinary actions. Notably, the party's floor leader, Jeong Jeong-sik, and most of the floor leadership were absent from the Olympic Park event, highlighting a growing rift between Jang and the party's parliamentary leadership. This internal tension was further exposed on August 14 when PPP Secretary-General Jeong Hee-yong publicly opposed remarks made by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon at a party meeting.

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Our ancestors sacrificed their lives to overthrow dictatorship and establish democracy. But (President Lee Jae-myung) is pushing for constitutional amendments to bring and extend that dictatorship in Korea.