Pressure Mounts for Jang Dong-hyuk's Resignation, Floor Leader Election Becomes Battleground

Calls for the resignation of People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk are intensifying following the party's defeat in the June 3 local elections. Within the party, the upcoming floor leader election is taking on the characteristics of a preliminary battle for party leadership. The outcome of the floor leader election is expected to directly influence not only Jang's fate but also the potential return of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon to the party, and further, the competitive landscape for the People Power Party's next leadership. Tensions are rising over the formation of the next party leadership.

The People Power Party's current leadership faction argues there is no reason for the leadership to resign, citing victories in Seoul and strong performances in mayoral and gubernatorial races. However, responsibility is still being called into question despite some successes in certain regions.

Jang Dong-hyuk appeared at the National Assembly on June 5, bypassing his usual schedule. He visited the vote counting station in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where controversy arose over insufficient ballots, and the Election Management Committee. He stated, 'I will fight properly with you all,' signaling an intention to rally support around claims of election irregularities and divert attention from responsibility for the election outcome. Jang Dong-hyuk's term is set to end in August of next year.

However, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon maintained distance from Jang throughout the election period. Lawmaker Yoo Eui-dong stated on MBC radio, 'There is no reason for Representative Jang to avoid stating his intentions regarding his position.' As lawmaker Han Dong-hoon, who was expelled by the Jang Dong-hyuk leadership, seeks to rejoin the party, the pro-Han faction is publicly pressuring Jang to resign, arguing, 'No matter the structure of the national convention, Representative Jang cannot win,' and 'There are no 'we fought well despite losing' outcomes in elections.'

As intra-party disputes over responsibility for the June 3 local election results intensify, Jang Dong-hyuk's leadership is being tested. The People Power Party is experiencing turmoil as demands for resignation from the pro-Han and progressive factions coincide with moves for the return of former leader Han Dong-hoon.