South Korea’s right-wing People Power Party is grappling with deepening internal strife as pressure mounts on Chair Jang Dong-hyeok to resign. Reformist lawmakers blame Jang for the party’s defeats in June’s local elections. Furthermore, a resignation petition launched June 22 has approached 10,000 signatures from members and nonmembers alike. Consequently, the dispute has exposed a widening rift between Jang’s loyalists and the party’s reformist minority.
Jang has firmly refused to step down despite the mounting pressure from within his own party. He stated via Facebook that he would not resign regardless of any conclusion lawmakers reach at a general assembly. Additionally, Jang has hinted at pursuing disciplinary action against members accused of damaging the party’s interests. Reformists argue this represents an attempt to suppress dissent and entrench his own leadership position.
The internal strife traces back to a broader factional feud within the party’s leadership structure. One faction supports Jang, crediting him with helping the party recover popularity despite recent electoral setbacks. Meanwhile, reformists align with Rep. Han Dong-hoon, the estranged former chair now serving as an independent lawmaker. Han’s recent by-election victory in Busan against an official party candidate intensified existing tensions considerably.
A leaked text message revealed Monday that disciplinary measures against several conservative lawmakers were under active discussion. The targeted lawmakers had reportedly supported Han during his Busan by-election campaign against party leadership wishes. However, the party officially denied the message represented its formal stance on Tuesday. Nevertheless, targeted lawmakers Park Jeong-hun and Jin Jong-oh both publicly defended their actions afterward.
Park argued that conservative voters’ preference for Han in Busan signals Jang should bear political responsibility instead. Moreover, he warned that any further undemocratic use of power would only strengthen calls for Jang’s resignation. Going forward, the unresolved internal strife threatens to further fracture party unity ahead of future elections. Ultimately, how Jang navigates this reformist rebellion will likely shape the party’s competitiveness in upcoming political contests.
