[People Power Party Leadership Candidate Interview] Jang Donghyuk: "Innovation Means Uniting as One to Fight the Democratic Party"

Jang Donghyuk, People Power Party Leadership Candidate Interview
"Factions causing internal strife... Must decide their stance before the general election"
"Labeled as 'far-right' after criticizing Yoon Heesook's reform proposal"
Objective evaluation of parliamentary activities... Overhaul of the nomination system

People Power Party leadership candidate Donghyuk Jang is giving an interview to Asia Economy at the National Assembly on July 30, 2025. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

"The very act of uniting as a single front to fight against the Democratic Party of Korea is, in itself, innovation. The factions that continue to engage in internal strife must make a decision before the general election that will take place three years from now."

Representative Jang Donghyuk, who has entered the race for the leadership of the People Power Party, emphasized in an interview with Asia Economy at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on July 30, "I want to make it clear that Jang Donghyuk, the politician, is not someone whose beliefs and convictions change according to political advantage or disadvantage."

He is a former judge who was re-elected as a member of the National Assembly for Boryeong and Seocheon in South Chungcheong Province. Having served as Secretary-General and Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, he established his political presence in the chaotic political landscape following the 12·3 Martial Law. He is known to have the support of the so-called pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Sukyeol) faction and is considered, along with former presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo, one of the leading contenders for party leadership.

Representative Jang diagnosed the situation of the People Power Party as "an internal and external crisis unlike anything experienced before." He said, "Three special prosecutors are targeting our lawmakers, and ultimately, they are aiming for the dissolution of the party. The party is unable to unite as one, so it cannot properly fight against the ruling party."

He also shared his vision to create a true opposition party. He promised to introduce objective evaluation indicators for reforming the candidate nomination system. Representative Jang stated, "I will establish a system in which only those who have fought hard for the party are nominated," and added, "I will objectively evaluate activities in standing committees or plenary sessions, the hosting of debates, the number of bills proposed, and media appearances, and reflect these in the nomination process."

The following is a Q&A with Representative Jang.

People Power Party leadership candidate Donghyuk Jang is giving an interview to Asia Economy at the National Assembly on July 30, 2025. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

-What do you think is the biggest reason for the party's crisis?

▲It is the disappointment of party members. The first time I raised a critical voice after holding back for a long time was when Innovation Committee Chairperson Yoon Heesook proposed reform measures. When I said, "Once you've apologized, that's enough; how long are we going to keep apologizing?" I suddenly became a target for innovation and was labeled as far-right. The means and methods of martial law may have been wrong, but by apologizing unconditionally to the Democratic Party of Korea without being able to say a single word about their behavior, we lost the hearts of party members.

-Some point out that you have joined hands with the 'far-right forces.' What is your response?

▲I find it difficult to agree with the very idea of the 'far-right frame.' Even those whom many criticize as 'far-right' are all citizens of the Republic of Korea. Above all, they have always actively supported and defended the conservative party. It is not the attitude of a politician to exclude them just because the election is over. When the next election comes, won't you call for unity again?

-Did you hesitate when you were invited to appear on a debate broadcast hosted by conservative YouTubers such as former Korean history lecturer Jeon Hangil?

▲I agreed with the purpose of the broadcast, which was to verify the party leadership candidates on behalf of the party members, and saw no reason to avoid it. I thought some media might criticize me for certain scenes, but avoiding that would not be the behavior of a politician. Even if there is criticism, I will not avoid controversy but will confront it head-on and push through.

People Power Party leadership candidate Donghyuk Jang is giving an interview to Asia Economy at the National Assembly on July 30, 2025. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

-What policies are you considering to revitalize the economy?

▲The economic policies of the Lee Jaemyung administration are short-sighted and contradictory. While they strangle businesses with additional amendments to the Commercial Act and the Yellow Envelope Act, they ask for help during tariff negotiations. The People Power Party will present economic policies based on conservative values and with a long-term perspective. Special measures, such as reforming the Yeouido Institute, are also necessary to restore that function.

-Are you open to unifying your candidacy with other candidates?

▲If I had intended to unify candidacies, I would not have entered this race. Even if I do not become party leader, I have a duty to show the possibilities of a conservative party. That is why I intend to see this through to the end.

-What is your strategy for winning next year's local elections?

▲Ultimately, a political party must change people's lives. Only when we truly understand what the people want and present alternatives can we win public support. In particular, to attract moderates and voters in the Seoul metropolitan area, we must demonstrate the qualities of a competent policy party. For the younger generation, we must listen carefully to clearly identify their needs.