Namyangju Mayor candidate demands party leader's resignation over foreign press conference response

A significant internal dispute has erupted within the People Power Party, with Joo Kwang-deok, a preliminary candidate for Namyangju Mayor, issuing a strong ultimatum to party leadership. Joo is demanding the resignation of Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk and the formation of a "grand unification election committee," threatening to withdraw his candidacy if these conditions are not met. This move signals deep dissatisfaction among some party members regarding the current leadership and electoral strategy.

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I have temporarily set aside the name of the People Power Party's Namyangju mayoral candidate and stand here as a party member worried about the party's survival and the nation's future.

Joo Kwang-deok framed his actions not as a personal ambition but as a duty as a party member concerned for the People Power Party's future and the nation's destiny. He stated, "I have temporarily set aside the name of the People Power Party's Namyangju mayoral candidate and stand here as a party member worried about the party's survival and the nation's future." This rhetoric suggests a belief that the party is at a critical juncture, requiring drastic measures to ensure its success in the upcoming elections.

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The attitude shown by the party leader in response to a question about martial law during a press conference with foreign journalists three days ago is also burning the candidates' hearts black.

The core of the controversy appears to be Jang Dong-hyuk's response to a foreign journalist's question about martial law during a press conference. While the article does not detail Jang's exact response, it implies that his attitude and words have deeply troubled candidates, described as "burning the candidates' hearts black." This suggests that Jang's handling of sensitive historical and political issues in front of international media has caused significant concern and potentially damaged the party's image.

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Please step back to the second line. A grand unification election committee should be launched centered around figures who will lead the integration and expansion of the conservative camp.

From the perspective of Hankyoreh, this internal conflict highlights a recurring theme in South Korean politics: the struggle for party unity and effective leadership, especially in the lead-up to elections. While Western media might focus on the electoral implications or the specific policy disagreements, our coverage emphasizes the underlying tensions within the conservative camp and the potential impact on public trust. Joo's dramatic ultimatum and his appeal to party members suggest a desire for a more robust and unified front, particularly in contrast to the perceived missteps of the current leadership. The situation reflects a broader debate about how the party should navigate sensitive historical issues and present itself on the international stage.

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If this demand is not met, I will not register as a candidate in this election.