People's Power Party Leader Accuses President Lee of Party Interference

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of South Korea's People's Power Party, has sharply criticized President Lee Jae-myung's recent statements regarding deposit fees for youth candidates. Jang accused President Lee of hypocrisy and attempting to manipulate the political landscape.

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It seems he is extremely anxious that Jeong Cheong-rae might be nominated. He is rambling because he is trying to force his way.

"It seems he is extremely anxious that Jeong Cheong-rae might be nominated. He is rambling because he is trying to force his way," Jang stated, referring to President Lee's lengthy explanation of his remarks. Jang summarized the president's stance as "It's okay if I do it, but not if others do," labeling it as a "na-nae-nam-bul" (I-do-it-romance, others-do-it-affair) attitude.

Jang further questioned President Lee's assertion that as a party member, he can express his opinions. "If he were in the opposition party, he would have said, 'Is the president just a party member?'" Jang pointed out. He dismissed the president's claim of not favoring any specific candidate, stating, "Not even Democratic Party members believe that." Jang provocatively suggested, "Just say 'Please help Jeong Cheong-rae lose,'" instead.

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It's okay if I do it, but not if others do.

Jang also addressed figures within the pro-Lee faction, including Kim Min-seok and Song Young-gil, suggesting they are mistaken if they believe the president's power can secure their positions. He warned that clinging to such schemes would only shorten the lifespan of the administration.

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If he were in the opposition party, he would have said, 'Is the president just a party member?'

Choi Bo-yoon, the spokesperson for the People's Power Party, echoed these sentiments in a statement. Choi described President Lee's direct mention of the election deposit issue as issuing a "de facto guideline." She condemned it not as mere meddling but as a "weighty directive pressuring the party leadership and a clear intervention in party affairs."

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Not even Democratic Party members believe that.