People Power Party Leader Rejects Resignation Calls Amid US Visit Controversy

The People Power Party is currently embroiled in a significant internal conflict as party leader Jang Dong-hyuk firmly rejects demands for his resignation. This internal strife comes at a critical juncture, just 40 days before the June 3rd local elections, and threatens to derail the party's electoral prospects. The controversy stems largely from Jang's recent trip to the United States, which has been met with accusations of misrepresenting officials he met and embellishing the outcomes of his meetings.

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It is not the act of a politician who takes responsibility to step down just because the situation is not good.

Adding fuel to the fire, details emerging about Jang's US visit have raised serious questions. While Jang initially claimed to have extended his stay at the request of the State Department and met with a high-ranking official, the State Department confirmed he met with Gavin Wax, the principal deputy director of the Bureau of Public Diplomacy. This clarification contrasts sharply with Jang's initial vague descriptions and has led to accusations that he inflated the significance of his meetings. Furthermore, reports have surfaced suggesting that Jang's camp actively sought additional meetings, even reaching out to former diplomats for assistance, contradicting his narrative of a State Department-initiated schedule extension.

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I have been running for the victory of the local elections since becoming party leader. I will do my best to finish the local elections and be evaluated fairly. I will also be evaluated on my performance during the US visit.

This situation has created a deep rift within the People Power Party. While some, like Incheon district party chairman Park Jong-jin and 28 other non-elected district chairmen, have rallied to Jang's defense, calling for party unity and branding calls for his resignation as detrimental to election efforts, others are openly critical. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Assembly member Bae Hyun-jin have publicly urged Jang to step down or at least reduce his public profile, citing the party's low approval ratings and the need for leadership accountability. The internal discord is palpable, with prominent figures like Joo Ho-young and Kangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae also weighing in, urging Jang to recognize when it's time to step aside. The ongoing controversy and internal divisions pose a significant challenge for the People Power Party as it heads into the crucial local elections.

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Representative Jang should feel a sense of responsibility and reduce his scope of activity for the sake of running the election.