Handonghun, "Late Jang Gi-pyo Also Emphasized Political Reform... Relief and Conviction"

Mention of Jang Gi-pyo Declining Democratization Compensation Payment

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, emphasized the need for political reform on the 28th by referring to the late Jang Gi-pyo, director of the Shinmunmyeong Policy Research Institute, and his actions during his lifetime.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, Han said on his Facebook, "Although Mr. Jang Gi-pyo devoted himself as a symbol of the democratization movement, he did not receive a large sum of compensation for the democratization movement because 'he only did what was right as a citizen and an intellectual, not for any reward.'" He added, "While receiving compensation for the democratization movement is an honorable act, it is true that acting like Mr. Jang Gi-pyo, who declined even that rightful honor, shines even brighter."

He continued, "If you think about it from a different perspective, it is really not easy to do so. It was not a small amount of money. He was not even a public official who is required to have a public-minded attitude," and added, "Looking back now, I think I would do the same, but when it actually comes to it, I wonder how I would really act."

Han also shared articles introducing figures from the media and political circles who, like Director Jang, did not accept compensation, praising their actions.

In particular, Han emphasized, "Earlier this year, in the last year of his life, Mr. Jang said that 'the parliamentary immunity from arrest and the privilege of immunity should also disappear,' advocating for political reform." He added, "As I was directing the general election at the time and advocating for the exact same political reform, Mr. Jang Gi-pyo’s words gave me relief and confidence that 'this is the right path,' and I will firmly reaffirm how I should approach politics."