Lee Jae-oh Urges Jang Dong-hyuk to Resign as Party Leader and Lawmaker Over 'Gut It Out' Remark

People Power Party (PPP) Supreme Council member Lee Jae-oh ratcheted up pressure on PPP Leader Jang Dong-hyuk on Monday to step down not only as party head but also as a lawmaker, criticizing Jang for refusing to take responsibility for the party's defeat in the local elections. Appearing on CBS Radio's 'Park Jae-hong's Showdown' on the 14th, Lee criticized Jang for dodging responsibility and demanded he be held accountable for both party affairs and his legislative duties.

Lee denounced Jang's refusal to step down following the electoral loss as behavior befitting a 'back-alley thug.' He also emphasized that it is a political convention for party leaders to resign after elections, regardless of party affiliation.

Regarding why Jang must also give up his seat in the National Assembly, Lee argued that without a complete overhaul of the party leadership and party innovation, the party would be betraying the people's last hope. He warned that failing to do so could lead to a crushing defeat in the general election the year after next and even the dissolution of the party. Furthermore, citing Jang's disciplinary actions against dissenters within the party, Lee pointed out that the true detriment to party discipline is when those who should leave refuse to do so.