Jang Dong-hyuk: "As long as I'm in charge, Han Dong-hoon's return to the party cannot be discussed"

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk has effectively shut the door on the question of independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon's return to the party. Appearing on MBN's 'Jung Woon-gap's In-Depth Analysis' on the 1st, he said, "As long as I am in the leadership, neither the timing nor the conditions for discussing it are in place."

In the same interview, Jang left the door open on the possibility of cooperation with Reform Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok, saying there would be an appropriate time and method. On conservative unity, he said the party would gather members' views and proceed "at the necessary time, within the necessary scope, and in the necessary manner."

Jang had lunch with former President Park Geun-hye in Seoul on the 25th of last month. He said that during the meal, the former president urged the party not to neglect electoral system reform and reform of the National Election Commission, saying, "We must fill the party with good talent, win the next general election, and take back power in order to protect the nation's system."

Meanwhile, regarding the special prosecution team led by Lee Tae-han's public verification of ballots at Seoul Olympic Park, Jang reiterated his argument that "if there was fraud in the election, it must lead to a new election, whether it was an election won or lost." He pointed out that it was regrettable that the National Election Commission did not actively participate in the recount process.

His remarks are expected to carry discussions of electoral reform onto the party's agenda, and depending on the recount results and the progress of the special prosecution's investigation, political disputes surrounding the presidential election results are likely to continue.