Jang Donghyuk Elected People Power Party Leader, Defeating Kim Moonsu
Jang: "I Will Move Forward Uncompromisingly If It Is the Right Path"
Candidate Jang Donghyuk defeated candidate Kim Moonsu to become the new leader of the People Power Party. In his victory speech, Jang stated, "I will dedicate everything I have to unite with all conservative citizens and bring down the Lee Jaemyung administration."
People Power Party candidates Donghyuk Jang (left) and Moonsu Kim shake hands and greet each other during the 6th party convention runoff held at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 26th. Photo by Yonhap News
The People Power Party Convention Election Commission announced on the morning of the 26th at the main auditorium of the National Assembly Library that Jang had been confirmed as the final winner in the runoff election for party leader during the 6th party convention. In the runoff vote, which combined 80% party member votes and 20% public opinion polls, Jang received 223,302 votes while Kim received 217,935 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Jang said, "Today's victory is a victory created by our party members, a victory brought about by the new media environment," and added, "Just as I did in this convention, I will continue to move forward without compromise if it is the right path."
He continued, "The fact that party members chose me marks the beginning of innovation. With the wishes of our party members in mind, I will now work to reform the People Power Party," and emphasized, "I ask all party members who have entrusted me with this heavy responsibility to join me until the end so that we can transform the People Power Party into a winning party."
After defeating Ahn Cheolsoo and Cho Kyungtae in the main primary held in Osco, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province on the 22nd, Jang and Kim advanced to the runoff and adopted contrasting strategies. Kim reached out to Ahn Cheolsoo, Cho Kyungtae, and former leader Han Donghoon, as well as those in the pro-impeachment faction, stressing unity. In contrast, Jang declared, "I cannot work with those who undermine the party from within," focusing on rallying the hardline conservative base.
Jang's victory is interpreted as a result of his strategy to eliminate the pro-impeachment faction within the party and take a hardline stance against the Lee Jaemyung administration, which proved effective in winning the support of party members. On the previous day, during a Channel A YouTube broadcast, Jang said, "Whether it is 'Yoon Again' or Jeon Hangil, even if there are some differences in our views, I am willing to unite with any conservative citizen who wants to defend liberal democracy," signaling his willingness to embrace even far-right groups.
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