Jeon Hangil Criticizes Kim Moonsu's Defeat as "Strategic Failure"
Says, "Abandoning Jeon Hangil Is Abandoning Yoon Sukyeol"
Jang Donghyuk Vows to Unite Conservatives Against the Lee Jaemyung Administration
Jeon Hangil, a former Korean history instructor who wielded significant influence at the People Power Party convention, claimed that "abandoning Jeon Hangil is tantamount to abandoning Yoon Sukyeol" in response to candidate Kim Moonsu's defeat in the party leadership race. On the 26th, Jeon broadcasted the results of the final round of voting at the party convention live on his YouTube channel, "Jeon Hangil News." Candidate Jang Donghyuk was elected as party leader, securing a total of 223,002 votes, narrowly defeating Kim, who received 217,935 votes, by a margin of 2,367 votes.
Upon hearing the news of Jang's election, Jeon applauded, saying, "Congratulations. You barely won, just barely." However, he added, "This is no time to be laughing. Former President Yoon Sukyeol is, as former U.S. President Donald Trump put it yesterday, in a purged state and is suffering severe human rights violations."
Regarding Kim's defeat, Jeon described it as a "strategic failure." He criticized, "He was too indecisive and opportunistic, always watching for others' reactions. His approval rating was in the 40% range at the start of his campaign for party leader. With such high name recognition, did he think he would win automatically?" Jeon continued, "I invited both candidates to a debate hosted by conservative YouTubers, but the media criticized it, asking if they were 'going for a Jeon Hangil interview.' Jang kept his promise and attended, but Kim canceled. It was disappointing. A promise is a promise. Would he have canceled if it were KBS? He disrespected YouTubers."
Jeon also claimed that Kim provoked the core of the conservative right by saying during the final debate, "Next year's local elections, I will nominate Han Donghoon instead of Jeon Hangil." Jeon argued, "Han Donghoon is the main culprit behind the impeachment of former President Yoon, the early presidential election, and the election of President Lee Jaemyung. The goal was to oust Han Donghoon, so Kim should not have said he would nominate him. Watching that scene, I thought, 'He has crossed the Rubicon.'"
He further stated, "Kim should apologize for saying he would 'embrace Han Donghoon and abandon Jeon Hangil.' Behind Jeon Hangil stand Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee. Abandoning Jeon Hangil is the same as abandoning Yoon Sukyeol." He went on to urge Kim, "Retire from politics. You have served the nation, so I hope you enjoy a peaceful retirement."
Jang Donghyuk, the newly elected leader of the People Power Party (left), is greeting party members together with candidate Kim Moonsu, who competed in the final round of the 6th Party Convention of the People Power Party held on the 26th at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Jang Donghyuk, the newly elected leader of the People Power Party and a prominent member of the anti-impeachment faction supporting former President Yoon, said in his acceptance speech, "From now on, I will press forward unwaveringly if it is the right path. I will dedicate everything to uniting all conservative citizens and bringing down the Lee Jaemyung administration." He continued, "I believe your choice of me as party leader marks the beginning of innovation. I cannot bear this heavy burden alone. Please join me to transform the People Power Party into an innovative and victorious party."
Kim Moonsu, former Minister of Employment and Labor, said in his concession speech, "I trust that under Leader Jang, we will unite without any factions, focusing solely on defeating the Lee Jaemyung dictatorship and making Korea great. I believe Leader Jang, who has taken on this heavy responsibility, will achieve great success, demonstrate outstanding leadership, and save the nation. I will quietly support him from behind."
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