Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk's Overseas Trip Sparks Wave of Internal Criticism

As photos were released of People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk visiting Washington, US, with the June 3 local elections less than 50 days away, internal party dissatisfaction erupted. Criticism that it 'looks like he's shooting an overseas travel pictorial,' coupled with discontent over the leadership's actions, raised concerns that it could undermine party unity ahead of the elections. The incident began when photos of Leader Jang Dong-hyuk and Supreme Council Member Kim Min-soo, taken together with the US Capitol Building in Washington D.C. as a backdrop, were released. In the photos, Leader Jang and Supreme Council Member Kim were posing with bright expressions. At the time of his departure, Leader Jang had posted on Facebook, stating, 'I advance because I can never turn away from the future of Korea,' and 'There is only one reason I fight with a desperate heart: because I believe this path is the way to protect the free Republic of Korea.'

Several party insiders have expressed critical views regarding Leader Jang's international visit and the released photos. Rep. Joo Ho-young, in a radio broadcast, likened Leader Jang's trip to the US to 'someone guarding a market leaving to go to a karaoke bar,' pointing out, 'It's inappropriate to be frolicking there during such a critical time.' Rep. Jung Sung-kuk, also on a YouTube broadcast, questioned, 'Who is he meeting, what is the significance of this, and what achievements can he bring back? How will these achievements help in securing votes?' Former Supreme Council Member Kim Jong-hyuk shared the photo of Leader Jang and Supreme Council Member Kim, criticizing, 'Are candidates running in the local elections shedding tears while you're busy shooting overseas travel pictorials? Do you have to reveal such things to be ridiculed by the Democratic Party and infuriate party members?'

As the party leadership has shown actions that seem distant from the local elections, a sentiment has formed among People Power Party candidates for metropolitan government positions demanding the establishment of 'regional election committees.' Analysis suggests that the dissatisfaction with the leadership, occurring while the party's approval ratings hit rock bottom, is leading to demands for the formation of regional election committees. This has been interpreted as a sign that candidates for metropolitan government positions are seeking to distance themselves from the Jang Dong-hyuk leadership and pursue independent survival strategies.

Sensing the internal criticism, Leader Jang Dong-hyuk has focused on publicizing the achievements of his US visit. Through Facebook, he announced that he held consultations with key think tanks such as the American First Policy Institute (AFPI) and the Heritage Foundation. At these meetings, he discussed the People Power Party's new security strategy for Korea to become a global pivotal state, covering discussions on the direction of the ROK-US alliance, security and economy, energy issues, the threat from China, and the supply and demand capabilities of the Korean shipbuilding industry for US auxiliary vessel construction, encompassing diplomatic and security matters. Leader Jang added that he also made contact with key figures from the Donald Trump administration and the US conservative camp to discuss diplomatic and security issues.