Jang Dong-hyuk Resists Resignation Pressure by Pushing Special Prosecutor Probe; Lawmakers' Meeting This Week to Be Watershed for His Fate

Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party (PPP), is resisting pressure to resign by pushing for the introduction of a special prosecutor (SP) investigation into the ballot paper shortage incident. Jang dismissed calls for his resignation, arguing on Facebook that if the government and ruling party are truly innocent, they should accept an SP investigation recommended by the PPP. If Jang continues to use the 'ballot paper special prosecutor' as a shield, internal conflict within the PPP could deepen.

The intra-party reformist faction 'Alternatives and Future' has called for Jang's resignation, citing opposition to a nationwide re-election. Lawmaker Kim Yong-tae criticized Jang's leadership, stating it has ended by leveraging 'election fraud conspiracy theories.' Lawmakers from the reformist faction, the Han Dong-hoon camp, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's allies are likely to demand Jang's resignation at the general meeting of lawmakers scheduled for the 17th-18th.

Party loyalist and Secretary-General Jung Hee-yong defended Jang, warning that attempts to shake his leadership would push the party's core responsibilities to the back burner.

The general meeting of lawmakers on the 17th-18th is expected to be a decisive moment for Jang's future. However, under current party rules, more than four out of five elected supreme council members must resign to transition to an emergency response committee. Currently, no one except Supreme Council member Woo Jae-jun has publicly called for resignation. Floor Leader Chung Jin-suk is scheduled to meet with five-term lawmakers on the 16th to discuss Jang's fate.

This situation could affect not only the leadership's legitimacy but also the party's pursuit of reform agendas and its role in checking the ruling power.