Returned Party Leader Jang Rejects Resignation Calls; Oh Se-hoon Questions Need for Leader

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of South Korea's People Power Party, returned to the National Assembly on June 24 after a six-day hospital stay, immediately rejecting calls for his resignation. He asserted that his position is not up to a few lawmakers but ultimately to the party members.

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The fate of the party leader is not a matter that can be decided by the party leader alone, and certainly not by a few lawmakers.

"Now is not the time for us to fight amongst ourselves," Jang stated at a press conference, emphasizing the need for party unity to halt the "tyranny of the Lee Jae-myung administration" and protect the nation. He called for party reform and discipline, urging focus on a special prosecutor for voting rights and preparations for by-elections.

Jang also sharply criticized President Lee Jae-myung, referencing a court ruling that deemed testimony about a "salmon drinking party" by former Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young as perjury. Jang argued that if President Lee pursues the dismissal of charges, impeachment would be his only recourse.

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Now is not the time for us to fight amongst ourselves.

Meanwhile, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon questioned the necessity of a party leader, suggesting the floor leader could suffice. Speaking at a forum for People Power Party lawmakers, Oh argued that the party leader's involvement in every social issue has normalized political infighting. He proposed a shift towards a party centered on its parliamentary members, similar to the U.S. system.

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The party members truly want us to unite as one to stop the tyranny of the Lee Jae-myung administration and protect the nation and its people.

Regarding Jang's resignation, Oh suggested it was a matter of time, stating, "There's no need to shed blood over it." Other party figures, including floor leader Chung Jin-suk, are reportedly gathering opinions from senior lawmakers to resolve the controversy surrounding Jang's leadership. Park Jeong-hoon, a lawmaker, criticized Jang's refusal to resign, suggesting he at least seek a vote of confidence from party members.

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I don't know if a party leader is really necessary.