Jang Donghyuk, Formerly Pro-Han, Chooses Jeon Hangil Over Han Donghoon
Cho Kyungtae and Ahn Cheolsoo United in Criticism: "Supporting Martial Law"
Jang Donghyuk, a candidate for the People Power Party leadership, announced on the 19th that if he wins the party leadership, he will nominate Jeon Hangil, a far-right YouTuber, rather than former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, for the upcoming by-election. In response, candidates Cho Kyungtae and Ahn Cheolsoo protested, saying that Jang should leave the party.
Candidates running for the People Power Party leadership election are cheering before the 3rd television debate of the 6th party convention held at the TV Chosun studio in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News
During the third TV debate for the People Power Party leadership candidates, hosted by TV Chosun that afternoon, Jang was asked whom he would nominate for the by-election between former leader Han and Jeon. He chose Jeon.
Jang explained, "Jeon has been fighting hard for our party since the impeachment, and he is also fighting against the Democratic Party and the Lee Jaemyung administration. I believe that someone who is fighting so hard deserves to be nominated."
Jang was once considered part of the pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) faction, but after the 12·3 Martial Law, he broke ties with former leader Han and is now running for party leadership with support from the old mainstream pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Sukyeol) faction.
When asked, "How do you respond to being called a traitor or opportunist who shifts between the pro-Han and pro-Jeon factions?" Jang replied, "Whether it was impeachment, martial law, or a special investigation, my position has never changed on any issue."
He emphasized, "I stood on the same political ground as former leader Han. It was during the impeachment phase that Han took a pro-impeachment stance, which led to our split. I do not believe I betrayed anyone or seized an opportunity."
Cho, who supports impeachment, strongly criticized Jang. He said, "Watching today's debate, I was truly shocked that Jang chose Jeon as the by-election candidate. Jeon is someone who advocates for 'Yoon Again' and is, in fact, part of the forces that supported insurrection."
After the debate, Cho met with reporters and said, "I hope that statement will be withdrawn," adding, "Jang is not qualified to be a member of authentic conservatism. I respectfully request that he leave the People Power Party and step down from the party."
Ahn also stated, "I cannot agree with Jang's opinion. (Jeon) is someone who defends martial law," pointing out, "It would be much better for someone like that to form a new party with like-minded people and be active there."
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