[Reporter’s Notebook] People Power Party’s Defense of Vested Interests Has Gone Too Far

"This is the abuse of power by unelected authorities."

Jang Yechang, former Supreme Council member of the People Power Party and known as a "pro-Yoon Suk-yeol spokesperson," made this assessment regarding Hee-sook Yoon, the Innovation Committee Chair's, first announcement of the personnel purge list. The backlash from the pro-Yoon faction within the People Power Party does not end there. Jang Donghyuk, a People Power Party lawmaker named as a target for the purge, did not hide his displeasure, saying, "They swallow what is sweet and spit out what is bitter." The typical "defending vested interests" narrative is once again in motion. The reaction from Song Eonseok, the Emergency Response Committee Chair and Floor Leader responsible for the party, was astonishing. He claimed to view it as an act of loyalty, yet his response seemed evasive, as if it were someone else's problem.

After the 6·3 presidential election defeat, few in Yeouido's political circles believed the People Power Party's talk of self-reform. A People Power Party aide, who has experienced all sorts of political ups and downs in Yeouido, shook his head, saying, "Reform will never happen." The prevailing cynicism was not without reason. Far from innovating, the People Power Party is now running in reverse, heading down a regressive path.

The party leadership has once again been taken over by the pro-Yoon faction. The innovation proposals have not advanced at all, blocked by lawmakers such as Jang Donghyuk and Na Kyungwon, who were part of the "anti-impeachment" faction. The heads of major provincial and city party committees across the country are also exclusively pro-Yoon. Even more disheartening than this "reverse innovation" is the leadership and senior lawmakers' perception of reality. Most are closing their eyes and ears, focusing solely on protecting their vested interests. Despite being shunned by moderates, those in the capital region, and young people, and having fallen to a mere 10% approval rating as a "Yeongnam-only party," not a single person is taking responsibility. Yet, when younger lawmakers speak up, they are branded as reactionaries, accused of causing division within the party.

At a recent forum hosted by lawmakers Yoon Sanghyun and Jang Donghyuk, Han-gil Jeon appeared and chanted "Yoon Suk-yeol Again." Party leaders, including Chair Song, attended the event. When controversy arose, Chair Song explained, "The party has nothing to do with this event." But after doing everything possible, who among the public could believe mere verbal denials? Public trust in the People Power Party, which had already hit rock bottom due to martial law and impeachment, is now sinking even further.

Reform begins with the courage to relinquish vested interests. Genuine reform must be achieved through thorough self-reflection and personnel renewal. However, the Ahn Cheolsoo Innovation Committee collapsed within 20 minutes of its launch, and the Hee-sook Yoon Innovation Committee, brought in to save the day, is also on shaky ground. Both inside and outside the party, some voices are saying, "It would have been better not to launch an innovation committee at all if this is what it's going to be."

When meeting with People Power Party members, they are steeped in lethargy and a sense of defeat. The belief that the only way to survive is through mistakes by the Lee Jaemyung administration is widespread. Is this not just waiting idly for good fortune to fall into their laps? I no longer wish to witness the People Power Party hitting rock bottom.