[Report] "A Fighter Is the Right Choice" vs. "Without Innovation, Ruin Awaits"... Pro- and Anti-Impeachment Factions Split at Opposition Party Convention

Fierce Confrontation Between Kim-Jang and Ahn-Cho Supporters
Tensions Rise Over "Yoon's Impeachment"
United in the Call to "Fight Against the Democratic Party"

On August 22, Osco in Cheongju, Chungbuk, where the People Power Party's national convention was held, heated up with a tense standoff between supporters of the pro-impeachment (Chantan) and anti-impeachment (Bantan) factions. As the party leadership candidates are currently locked in fierce confrontation, the deep division among their supporters was laid bare.

Around noon on the 22nd, a cheer competition took place between supporters of former Minister Kim Moonsoo and Assemblyman Jang Donghyuk in front of Osco in Cheongju, Chungbuk. Photo by Jang Bokyung

Despite the scorching heat, with midday temperatures exceeding 34 degrees Celsius, party members from across the country gathered early and engaged in a show of strength in front of the venue. Supporters of former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo created a cheerleader-like atmosphere by playing janggu and kkwaenggwari, while on the opposite side, supporters holding placards reading "Confident Jang Donghyuk" stood out. There were also supporters of Assemblyman Cho Kyungtae shouting, "The right person to rebuild authentic conservatism," as well as supporters of Assemblyman Jang Donghyuk holding signs proclaiming him "the dark horse of the new conservative movement."

Inside the venue, there was a heated confrontation between supporters of former President Yoon Sukyeol and those backing pro-impeachment candidates. When Cho's supporters staged a group cheer with placards reading "Go Kyungtae Cho," supporters of former President Yoon, wearing T-shirts that read "Yoon Again," booed them as "traitors." As verbal arguments between party members escalated into physical altercations, security staff had to intervene to break them up.

Supporters of former Minister Kim highly valued his morality and fighting spirit. Kim Seryong (68), who came from Daegu, praised, "Our candidate Kim Moonsoo is clear and clean," adding, "As a former democracy activist, he has the fighting spirit needed and is the most suitable candidate for the party right now." Kim expressed confidence in Kim Moonsoo's victory, saying, "He will make a significant contribution to the creation of the next administration."

Supporters of former Minister Kim Moonsoo, dressed stylishly in red tops, danced to lively music and waved placards, further heating up the atmosphere at the scene. Photo by Jang Bokyung

He commented on Assemblyman Jang, saying, "He has excellent capabilities as a conservative leader," but added, "He still needs to be further vetted, so we need to watch a bit longer." Regarding the recent turmoil in the party over Jeon Hangil, a conservative YouTuber and former Korean history lecturer, he dismissed it by saying, "It's just a gentle wave in a vast sea," and "I've never really thought about this issue."

Kang (in his 60s), who identified himself as a supporter of Assemblyman Jang, evaluated him by saying, "Looking at his political career so far, he is a man of conviction and is working hard to reform the party at a time when the public is turning away from it." Kang also expressed confidence in Jang's victory, stating, "He will have a positive impact on the party and our country and bring about tremendous innovation."

Regarding rival candidates Assemblyman Ahn and Assemblyman Cho, he said, "They are candidates I cannot trust," and "I cannot relate at all to the visions for the future they present." On Jeon's declaration of support for Assemblyman Jang, he said, "I'm very grateful that he stepped forward," and "I support Jeon's strong convictions."

Unlike the festive atmosphere at the site, supporters of Congressman Cho Kyungtae appeared relatively calm. Photo by Jang Bokyung

Supporters of pro-impeachment candidates Assemblyman Cho and Assemblyman Ahn campaigned in a relatively calm atmosphere. Park (60), who came from Suwon, appealed, "If we do not innovate, the People Power Party will fall into ruin," and insisted, "Only Kyungtae Cho can reform the party." Regarding anti-impeachment candidates former Minister Kim and Assemblyman Jang, he criticized, "They have ruined the party," and "Those two must never be allowed to lead."

Park expressed hope, saying, "Although Cho's approval rating is not high at the moment, politics is unpredictable, so I am waiting for a good result." He added, "Former leader Han Donghoon is, like a star lecturer, clearly laying out what the party must do going forward," and "If candidate Kyungtae Cho follows Han's guidance, he will be able to fight against the Democratic Party."

Supporters of Assemblyman Ahn unanimously cited party reform as the top priority. They also highly praised Ahn's ability to bring in new talent and his integrity. Kim Seokgyun (72) emphasized, "To compete against the Democratic Party, our candidate must be free of flaws," and "Ahn Cheolsoo is the most honest and pure."

Regarding the outcome of the convention, a fierce competition between former Minister Kim and Assemblyman Ahn was anticipated. Kim predicted, "There has always been about 5% of 'shy Ahn Cheolsoo' supporters," and "Kim Moonsoo and Ahn Cheolsoo will make it to the runoff vote."

On this day, the People Power Party is holding its 6th national convention at Osco in Cheongju, Chungbuk, to elect a new leadership. If no candidate for party leader secures a majority, a runoff vote between the top two candidates will be held on the 26th to determine the new party leader. The results will reflect 80% from the party member electoral college vote conducted on August 20-21 and 20% from a public opinion poll.