[News Terms] Han Dong-hoon's 'Ganggangyakyak': A New Brand for Conservatism?

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, is expected to present 'Ganggangyakyak' as a new conservative value at the 100-day inauguration press conference to be held on the 30th. This is seen alongside 'Eokgangbuyak,' which Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized during the last presidential election.

Handonghun, leader of the People Power Party, and Jaemyung Lee, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, are greeting each other at the Central Forum held on the 23rd at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Jang Dong-hyeok, senior supreme council member of the People Power Party and an ally of Han, responded on the 29th during SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' to the host's question, "Does Ganggangyakyak mean accompanying the weak, a kind of Han Dong-hoon-style centrist expansion or a leftward shift?" by saying, "It probably carries that meaning." He added, "The People Power Party will present a vision on how to advance as a policy-oriented and competent party."

On the 28th, during an on-site visit and meeting with the party's Gap Resolution Special Committee at the Seoul Family Plaza in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Han said, "The conservative party has the image of 'Gangyakyakgang.' It is about protecting vested interests and only talking about growth, but we are not like that," adding, "Conservatives have a responsibility toward society and the community." He also expressed his intention to promote policies for the weak, saying, "Our (conservative) reality is 'Ganggangyakyak.'" The day before, at a 'reverse interview' event with young people, he said, "When looking at us (conservatives), it seems like 'Gangyakyakgang,' but our goal is closer to 'Ganggangyakyak.' I came here to do that kind of politics and have lived that kind of life."

Ganggangyakyak is a shortened phrase meaning 'strong to the strong, weak to the weak.' It is used to mean not being servile to the strong and not oppressing the weak. Han’s intention to make 'Ganggangyakyak,' which carries this meaning, a new brand for conservatism is interpreted as an effort to expand the conservative base while creating a contrasting effect with Lee Jae-myung’s 'Eokgangbuyak' of the Democratic Party. Through Ganggangyakgang, it aims to show a changed party image by responding strongly at times rather than being dragged by vested interests, and by expanding policies for the socially weak, it seeks to create a warm conservative image that embraces the weak.

At the same time, it contrasts with Lee’s 'Eokgangbuyak,' which he officially presented when declaring his presidential candidacy in July 2021. Eokgangbuyak means 'suppressing the strong and helping the weak.' At the time, Lee said, "We must move toward a great harmonious society where everyone prospers through the politics of Eokgangbuyak, which restrains the desires of the strong based on privilege and unfairness and embraces the lives of the weak." He also said, "The reason we suffer from low growth is due to unfairness and inequality."