Jang Je-won: "Early Party Leadership Election Talk Is 'Premature Action'... Criticism and Calls for Resignation Are Different"

"Overwhelming Majority Consent Needed... It's Not That Level Yet"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, stated on the 29th, "Some media outlets are reporting as if I am advocating for an early party convention. Criticism and demands for resignation are different," and added, "Advocating for an early party convention at this point is a premature action."

On the same day, Jang said on Facebook, "This is an emergency response committee that we ourselves decided upon by gathering our collective will. When the party suffered a crushing defeat in the general election and was stuck in a quagmire, the party meeting even held a secret ballot to grant Chairman Kim Jong-in the authority of the party leader and guaranteed his term until April 7 of next year," and added, "Therefore, it is the image of a mature democratic party to strictly criticize what is wrong, encourage what is done well, and do our best to ensure that the emergency committee proceeds correctly."

Jang pointed out, "Actions that easily overturn our own decisions only increase the public's distrust," and "Furthermore, practical issues must be considered. There is insufficient physical time to hold an early party convention and then again hold primary elections for the Seoul and Busan mayoral candidates."

Jang said, "Of course, if one tries, it is possible. However, to use the drastic measure of an early party convention, the overwhelming majority of party members or lawmakers' consent is necessary," and "I feel that the current situation does not reach that level. Nevertheless, the emergency committee should broadly accept the outpouring voices of criticism. It must demonstrate leadership that listens more widely and unites more greatly. I expect a complete transformation of the emergency committee."