Sidelined PPP Leader Jang Dong-hyuk Takes Campaign to Social Media, Targets President Lee

As the June 3 local elections loom, People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyuk finds himself increasingly relegated to the digital battleground, relying heavily on social media to assert his influence and campaign. This shift comes amidst a backdrop of internal party friction, where candidates are forming their own election committees, effectively sidelining the party leader. The absence of key figures, such as floor leader Song Eon-seok and policy committee chair Jeong Jeong-sik, at Jang's recent policy announcement events underscores this marginalization.

“

Where is President Lee Jae-myung, the diplomatic genius, doing while a Japanese oil tanker passes through the Strait of Hormuz without paying tolls on its way to Japan?

Frustrated by this perceived snub, Jang has intensified his online offensive, particularly targeting President Lee Jae-myung. His Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) feeds are now replete with pointed critiques of the president's foreign policy decisions, questioning his actions on international issues like the Strait of Hormuz passage. Jang has also invoked past political stances, urging President Lee to reconsider his 'anti-American, pro-China' policies and focus on domestic affairs.

“

You were constantly obstructing foreign policy when you were in the opposition, but as soon as you became president, you completely changed your tune. Stop being anti-American and pro-China, and look back at yourself.

This digital-first strategy is also a response to direct criticism Jang has faced during his regional tours. Reports of party members like Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun describing the public sentiment in the Seoul metropolitan area as being in an "ice age" and Rep. Kim Jin-tae calling for "resolving the situation" after Jang's visits have seemingly led him to avoid public regional events. Instead, he is channeling his energy into online pronouncements and messages to party members, including offering encouragement to candidates who faced internal struggles, like Kim Young-hwan.

“

We will hold the Democratic Party government, which administered mold vaccines on our citizens' arms, accountable.

The PPP's internal dynamics appear complex, with regional leaders opting for influential figures like former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo as honorary campaign chairs, believing they possess broader appeal than Jang. This strategic choice, as explained by Rep. Jeong Seong-guk, further highlights Jang's diminished role in the party's electoral machinery. Consequently, Jang Dong-hyuk's campaign is increasingly defined by his online presence, a stark reflection of his current standing within the People Power Party.

“

We must stop actions that shake the Jang Dong-hyuk leadership.