'Pro-Han' faction demands Jang Dong-hyuk's immediate resignation

A faction within South Korea's People Power Party, identified as "pro-Han," has intensified calls for the resignation of party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, citing his accountability for the party's recent local election losses. The demands come as the party faces internal criticism over its electoral performance and leadership.

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I hope (Director Jang) resigns. There are good things and bad things. For example, expelling former leader Han Dong-hoon until the end and using too much energy to ensure his defeat. That part, which also negatively impacted the Busan mayoral election, must be criticized.

Rep. Woo Jae-joon, appearing on YTN Radio, expressed his hope for Jang's resignation. Woo criticized Jang's handling of internal conflicts, particularly the decision to expel former party leader Han Dong-hoon and the subsequent energy expended to ensure Han's defeat. "This negatively impacted the Busan mayoral election," Woo stated, arguing that Jang's actions were subject to significant criticism. He suggested that Jang stepping down would allow for a new party convention, enabling a more thorough evaluation of leadership and direction for the party's future.

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It is better to step down once and hold a general election again to be properly evaluated. It would also help gather thoughts on how our party should move forward.

Rep. Park Jung-hoon echoed these sentiments on SBS Radio, asserting that Jang "must step down." Park added that if Jang resigns, other party leaders, such as Supreme Council member Shin Dong-wook, should also follow suit. Park also questioned Jang's assessment of the local election results as having "left embers of hope." "I don't know if it's embers of hope to maintain his own political life," Park remarked, dismissing the idea that party members would support Jang after the defeat as a "mirage." He concluded that Jang's chances of winning a future party convention are slim, as the party's structure has already been compromised.

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Jang Dong-hyuk must step down. If Director Jang steps down, the leadership, including Supreme Council member Shin Dong-wook, will step down.

Rep. Yoo Ui-dong, who was re-elected in the Pyeongtaek B constituency, also weighed in on MBC Radio. Yoo stated that Jang Dong-hyuk should first evaluate the election results himself, suggesting that such an evaluation should naturally lead to a decision about his future leadership. "If it is to be connected to a declaration of his position, there is no reason to avoid it," Yoo commented.

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I don't know if it's embers of hope to maintain his own political life. The party members will not protect him after the election defeat. Even if a general election is held now, the structure in which Director Jang can win has already been broken.