PPP Leader Jang Starts National Tour to Bypass Assembly, Faces 'Autocratic' Criticism for Echoing Yoon and Hwang

Facing resignation pressure following the fallout from the June 3 local elections, People Power Party (PPP) Leader Jang Dong-hyuk kicked off an 'extraparliamentary' political campaign on Friday by attending a youth forum and a rally in Incheon. As Jang unveiled plans for a national tour, critics within the party likened his approach to that of President Yoon Suk-yeol and former PPP leader Hwang Kyo-ahn.

By attending the 'June 3 Voter Disenfranchisement Incident Youth and University Student Forum' held at the Incheon Party Headquarters in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on Friday afternoon, Leader Jang signaled an intent to consolidate his hardline support base. Attempting an emotional appeal to his supporters, he referenced his visit to the protest site at Olympic Park the previous night, stating, 'I am deeply moved and apologetic that young people are guarding Olympic Park even in the sweltering heat and rain.'

During the forum and a subsequent evening rally at Gyeolrodeo Square in Incheon, Leader Jang intensified the 're-election' narrative critical of President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party. He condemned the National Election Commission (NEC), arguing, 'The main culprits behind creating such an incompetent and arrogant NEC are President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party,' while demanding the appointment of a special prosecutor and the abolition of the early voting system.