People Power Party to Elect New Leader on August 22
Kim Moonsoo, Jang Donghyuk, Ahn Cheolsoo, and Cho Kyungtae Announce Bids
With the People Power Party finalizing the schedule for its upcoming party leadership election for August 22, the movements of potential candidates are accelerating. Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, who was previously the party's presidential candidate, and Jang Donghyuk, a lawmaker from the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) faction, have both officially declared their candidacies, while whether former leader Han Donghoon will run remains a key variable until the end.
On July 21, former Minister Kim is scheduled to visit Sancheong in South Gyeongsang Province, an area affected by heavy rain, as part of his official activities following his declaration of candidacy for party leader. The previous day, Kim held a press conference at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, stating, "I have decided to run in order to set the party straight in a crisis where the foundation of free Republic of Korea is under threat."
Jang Donghyuk, who also belongs to the anti-impeachment faction, officially announced his candidacy on the same day. On his social media, he stated, "The party is being dragged into an extreme right-wing frame by internal saboteurs day after day," and added, "I will become party leader and hold accountable those who have insulted the party and its members." Jang is considered part of the hardline faction, having recently invited Jeon Hangil, a Korean history lecturer known for defending former President Yoon Suk Yeol, to a parliamentary forum.
Among the pro-impeachment faction, Cho Kyungtae, the party's most senior lawmaker, has declared his candidacy. At a press conference at the National Assembly on the same day, Cho emphasized, "This party convention is the last opportunity to reflect on and learn from the past." He pledged to establish a permanent personnel reform committee. He also called for forces committed to innovation to unite, proposing to lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo a single-candidate selection through a 100% public opinion poll.
Ahn Cheolsoo, who entered the party leadership race immediately after resigning as chair of the Innovation Committee, will embark on a nationwide public sentiment tour starting in Daejeon on July 22. At a press conference on the same day, Ahn criticized former Minister Kim, asking, "Are you trying to become a pro-Jeon Hangil party leader?" and emphasized, "The only way to be chosen by the public again is through innovation at the level of dismantling and rebuilding."
Whether former leader Han Donghoon will run remains a last-minute factor that could shake up the race. Han has recently met with former lawmaker Yoo Seungmin and lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo to share opinions on rebuilding the conservative bloc. There is speculation that Han, who had been weighing his options, is now leaning toward running. On July 20, Han posted on social media, "For the people and party members, we must prevent the People Power Party from becoming an extreme right-wing party," leaving the possibility open.
In addition, former lawmaker Yang Hyangja and former presidential office future strategy director Jang Sungmin have expressed their intentions to run, while lawmaker Na Kyungwon, previously considered a strong contender for party leadership, has decided not to run.
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