Kim Jin-tae to Jang Dong-hyuk's face: 'Resolve the matter yourself'... Jang: 'What do you mean?'

The internal dynamics of the People Power Party (PPP) are coming under sharp focus as the local elections approach. Gangwon Province gubernatorial candidate Kim Jin-tae has directly challenged party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, urging him to take decisive action regarding his leadership. Kim's remarks, made after returning from an 8-day trip to the United States, reflect growing discontent within the party ranks and among its traditional base.

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There are many people who say, 'I was originally a supporter of the red party (PPP supporters), but I am so angry thinking only of the central party that I won't vote.' If those people don't come to the polling stations, we have no hope.

Kim conveyed that many traditional PPP supporters are expressing frustration with the central party leadership, to the point of considering not voting. He warned that such alienation could jeopardize the party's chances in the upcoming elections. Kim emphasized the urgency of the situation for candidates like himself, whose electoral fate hangs in the balance with just 42 days remaining until the election. He pleaded for the party leadership to consider the candidates' perspectives, stating, "Power is further away the more you try to hold onto it." He also expressed a desire for Jang to "return to being the cool Jang Dong-hyuk of the past."

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No matter how hard I work all day, my heart sinks every time central news breaks. As a candidate whose survival will be decided in just 42 days, I am anxious. Please listen to the candidates a little.

Jang Dong-hyuk, present at the event, listened intently and took notes. When questioned by reporters, he characterized Kim's comments as "affectionate words" given the party's difficult situation. However, he claimed ignorance regarding the specific meaning of Kim's "결자해지" (gyeolja-haeji), a Korean idiom meaning "he who tied the knot must untie it," implying that Jang should resolve the issues he created. Jang reiterated his commitment to securing the best possible outcomes in the local elections, framing it as his responsibility.

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Power is further away the more you try to hold onto it. It would be good if you could return to being the cool Jang Dong-hyuk of the past.

This incident is not isolated; Jang Dong-hyuk faced similar pressure for his resignation during a visit to Incheon. The PPP had initially planned a field meeting of its supreme council in Gangwon Province but changed the schedule to a policy announcement event. From a South Korean perspective, such public displays of internal party conflict, especially from a candidate in a key region, are significant. They highlight the challenges the PPP faces in unifying its base and projecting a strong, cohesive image ahead of crucial elections. The idiom "결자해지" itself carries a strong implication of personal responsibility, suggesting Kim believes Jang is the source of the party's current troubles and must be the one to fix them.

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In a situation where the party is in a difficult position, he has given many words of affection. I don't know what you mean by 'resolving the matter oneself,' but I am working hard to achieve the best results in the local elections, and that is my responsibility.