Ruling Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk Engages in External Politics on Liberation Day to Bolster Power

Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, is stepping up his efforts to consolidate power within the party. He plans to attend a rally on Liberation Day, August 15th, at Olympic Park in Seoul, continuing a strategy of mobilizing strong support bases that began after a ballot shortage during the June 3rd local elections.

Analysts suggest Jang's move to potentially replace local party chapter chairmen through member votes is aimed at strengthening his control. He is scheduled to attend the Liberation Day ceremony before heading to the rally to protest the ballot shortage issue. Notably, he did not attend the July 17th Constitution Day ceremony.

“

The leader seems confident he can succeed.

Within the People Power Party, there is speculation that the leadership, through the Special Organization Reinforcement Committee, is not just filling vacant positions but may replace all local chapter chairmen. This strategy is seen as leveraging the party members mobilized at his rallies to assert dominance. A second-term lawmaker from a non-leadership faction commented, "The leader seems confident he can succeed."

The party's focus on external political activities is expected to influence local chapter chairmen more than incumbent lawmakers. This is because securing the support of strong party members, who are likely to have high voter turnout, will be crucial for those seeking to be elected as chairmen based on member votes. "Incumbent lawmakers might have some resilience, but those without seats will not," the second-term lawmaker added.

“

Incumbent lawmakers might have some resilience, but those without seats will not.