[Exclusive] Yang Hyangja to Run for People Power Party Supreme Council, Not Party Leader

After Considering a Run for Party Leader, Yang Hyangja Decides to Run for Supreme Council
Final Decision Made Ahead of Candidate Registration Deadline on July 31

Former lawmaker Yang Hyangja will run as a candidate for the Supreme Council, not as party leader, in the People Power Party's 8·22 National Convention. Previously, Yang had announced her candidacy for party leader, stating, "I will move beyond 'pro-Tan vs. anti-Tan' and walk solely on the path of innovation."

On the last day of candidate registration for the convention, July 31, Yang said, "After many sleepless nights and much deliberation, I have decided to register as a candidate for the Supreme Council." She explained that, given the low likelihood of so-called "innovation candidates" like herself, Cho Kyungtae, and Ahn Cheolsoo becoming party leader, she aims to help the party overcome its crisis by serving on the Supreme Council.

Former lawmaker Yang Hyangja, who declared her candidacy for the People Power Party's Supreme Council, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at her office in Yeouido, Seoul on July 31, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Earlier, on July 28, Yang officially declared her bid for party leadership, saying, "I will restore the party as a competent economic party and a nationwide party loved by all." She pledged to reform the party's unreasonable decision-making system and unfair nomination process, among other changes.

Meanwhile, those who have announced or are expected to announce their candidacy for the People Power Party Supreme Council election include, in addition to Yang, Kim Geunsik, head of the Songpa-byeong district party committee in Seoul; Kim Minsu, former spokesperson; Kim Soyeon, attorney; Kim Jaewon, former Supreme Council member; Kim Taewoo, former head of Gangseo-gu district in Seoul; Ryu Yeohae, former Supreme Council member; Son Beomgyu, head of the Namdong-gap district party committee in Incheon; Jang Youngha, attorney; Ham Unkyung, head of the Mapo-eul district party committee in Seoul; and Shin Dongwook, lawmaker.

The People Power Party will accept candidate registrations for party leader and Supreme Council member until 5 p.m. on this day. The national convention is scheduled to be held at Osco in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, on August 22. The Supreme Council candidates' vision presentation will take place on August 4, and the main election will be held over two days, August 20 and 21.