People Power Party Leader Calls for More Rallies to Appoint Special Prosecutor

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of South Korea's People Power Party, has called for supporters to rally and create another "Olgong Day" to pressure the government into appointing a suitable special prosecutor. Speaking at a rally in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on July 23, Jang urged attendees to continue the fervor at an upcoming demonstration in Daegu on July 25, aimed at defending voting rights and protesting alleged election irregularities.

Jang, wearing a cap depicting a ballot box, addressed the crowd, stating that their slogan should be "Special election, in-person vote, hand count" until voting rights are regained. He emphasized that the issue transcends mere ballot papers, representing the very essence of South Korea, its democracy, and its future. He likened the current moment to a last chance to protect the nation, which led to the opening of the door for a special prosecutor.

"The voice that opened the door for the special prosecutor was ours," Jang declared. "Now, determining the special prosecutor must also be our voice." He credited the tens of thousands who gathered at Olympic Park on July 17 for their "shouts" that enabled the central election commission's server to be breached. Jang expressed skepticism about the ongoing investigation, stating, "I still don't fully trust the joint investigation team." He warned that the current seizure of the election commission's server would be meaningless if it did not uncover the truth.

Park Dae-chul, chairman of the People Power Party's Election Management Reform Special Committee, announced plans to push for the abolition of early voting as a party platform. He mentioned a meeting with the election commission's labor union, which reportedly finds early voting four times more difficult than regular voting. Jang and other People Power Party lawmakers then marched approximately 40 minutes toward the Suji-gu Office, chanting slogans related to election reform. Jang led the march, holding a placard advocating for "Special election, in-person vote, hand count."