Jang Dong-hyuk pushes for re-election of all party chapter chairs, sparking internal conflict

Tensions are rising within the People Power Party as leader Jang Dong-hyuk appears set to push through the re-election of all 254 local chapter chairpersons, including current lawmakers, through a party member vote. This decision comes despite significant internal opposition and follows the recent imposition of severe disciplinary measures on four non-aligned faction members, further escalating internal conflict.

Choi Bo-yoon, the party's chief spokesperson, indicated on March 23 that the agenda for the re-election of chapter chairpersons, whose terms expire at the end of August, would be discussed and decided at the March 24 Supreme Council meeting. Jang had previously attempted to push for a vote on the full replacement of chapter chairpersons, emphasizing a "party member-centric party" approach, but faced resistance and postponed the decision. At the time, floor leader Jeong Jin-seok advocated for maintaining the existing method of electing chairpersons through chapter steering committees, a stance echoed by lawmakers in a March 21 general meeting who believe Jang aims to increase his organizational control through these appointments.

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The re-election of all chapter chairpersons will be discussed and decided at the Supreme Council meeting.

However, with five out of nine voting members of the party leadership (Jang Dong-hyuk, Kim Min-soo, Kim Jae-won, Yang Hyang-ja, and Cho Gwang-han) reportedly in favor, there is a high probability the motion will pass if Jang forces a vote at the Supreme Council. Five-term lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun expressed concern on Facebook that "reforms without sufficient communication and consensus can become seeds of conflict."

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Reforms without sufficient communication and consensus can become seeds of conflict.

The fallout from the severe disciplinary action against non-aligned faction members Kwon Young-jin, Seo Beom-soo, Cho Kyung-tae, and Jin Jong-oh on March 20 continues. If the disciplinary measures are finalized, three of them, excluding Seo, will be ineligible to run in the 2028 general elections. Jin Jong-oh expressed doubts about the fairness of the disciplinary committee and hinted at the possibility of seeking an injunction from the court to suspend the disciplinary action.

Jang's repeated hardline actions have fueled calls for his resignation. Over the past year, he has faced criticism for polarizing the party by refusing to distance himself from former President Yoon Suk-yeol and promoting claims of election fraud. A two-term lawmaker told the Hankyoreh that the sentiment among lawmakers is increasingly shifting towards the belief that "Jang cannot lead the party to victory in the general elections," especially with the April general elections looming. This sense of crisis is also fueled by the perception that Jang cannot secure victory in the potential Seoul mayoral by-election next April. The recent increased activity of potential party leadership candidates such as Ahn Cheol-soo, Yoon Sang-hyun, and Na Kyung-won, as well as former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min, is seen as preparation for a potential early party convention.

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Is there any point in a retrial when the ethics committee itself is problematic?

Some anticipate that opposition to Jang will surface during the party retreat on March 27-28. However, Jang maintains a strong base of support among conservative party members. One party insider suggested that if a convention were held now, Jang would likely be re-elected. "It will depend on the outcome of the Seoul mayoral by-election next April, but until then, there will be no resignation," the insider said. Political commentator Park Sang-byung predicts that Jang's hardline approach will continue to benefit him in future party leadership elections, which are often decided by strongly committed party members.

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With the general election victory at stake after next spring, the sentiment that 'Jang cannot lead the party to victory in the general elections' is bound to grow among lawmakers. The critical point has already been passed.