Jang Begins Official Duties with Visit to National Cemetery
New Leadership Launched; Key Appointments Still Pending
Possibility of Far-Right Realignment Within the Party
Some Predict Pro-Impeachment Faction May Move Toward a Split
With Jang Donghyuk being elected as the new leader of the People Power Party, the party's internal dynamics are expected to shift significantly. Given Jang's close alignment with far-right factions, there is a high likelihood that the party will be reorganized around hardline forces. As a result, some predict that pro-Han Donghoon factions and those who supported impeachment may be on the path to a split.
On the morning of August 27, Jang officially began his term by paying respects at the National Seoul National Cemetery. At the ceremony, he emphasized, "What the party must do now is unite as one and join forces with the free conservative citizens to protect the free Republic of Korea." Later, Jang is scheduled to preside over his first Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly. In the afternoon, he plans to attend a general meeting of lawmakers to outline the party's direction and meet with Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs.
The political community is closely watching how the People Power Party's landscape will change. Appointments for key party positions are a particular focus. The previous day, Secretary General Jeong Jeomsik and the entire secretariat, as well as Kim Jeongjae, the Policy Committee Chair, collectively offered their resignations, making further appointments necessary.
Jang Donghyuk, the new leader of the People Power Party, and Song Unseok, the floor leader, along with other party leadership, are paying respects at the Memorial Tower at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on August 27, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
Given that Jang is considered a political newcomer with a relatively small talent pool, there are suggestions that he may appoint far-right figures or hardliners from within the party to key positions. During the party convention, Jang actively aligned himself with far-right forces, even mentioning the possibility of nominating far-right YouTuber Jeon Hangil. In his first press conference after taking office, he left open the possibility of appointing Jeon and others as Supreme Council members, stating, "We will decide after discussions." On the other hand, he made it clear that he would not pursue "mechanical balance," indicating that he would not appoint pro-impeachment figures for the sake of party unity.
The newly formed leadership has also tilted toward hardliners. Among the five Supreme Council members, three are from the anti-impeachment faction. Supreme Council members Kim Minsu and Kim Jaewon have both signaled a hardline stance, either by announcing plans to meet with former President Yoon Sukyeol or by criticizing reformist factions. Political commentator Park Sangbyung observed, "While the far-right is not yet the party mainstream, if Jang and several Supreme Council members reorganize the party around themselves, party membership recruitment and appointments could shift toward the far right."
Some are raising the possibility of a party split. This is due to the far-right shift and the difficulty pro-impeachment factions may have in aligning with Jang's call for unity. With Jang warning of "decisive action" against those who undermine the party or do not follow the party line, the space for pro-impeachment figures to maneuver has narrowed considerably. Additionally, the defeat of Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor and a leading contender for party leadership, has been attributed to the party's attempt to embrace Han Donghoon, further weakening the position of pro-Han factions.
Internal discord has already begun to surface. Pro-Han lawmaker Cho Kyungtae targeted Jang for the second day in a row, posting on social media, "The party leader, who should unify and guide the party in the right direction, is instead fueling conflict and division with his remarks." In response, Jang stated, "I don't need to respond to every comment from Assemblyman Cho, but if the time comes for a necessary decision, I will make it."
However, the prevailing view is that it will not be easy for members to defect or form a new party, given the failed attempt at a split after the impeachment of former President Park Geunhye and the fact that most pro-Han lawmakers are proportional representatives. One pro-Han lawmaker commented, "After the presidential and party leadership elections, the reformist faction has lost momentum to speak out or unite," adding, "For now, it is time to wait and see."
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