Jin Joongkwon: "Jang Donghyuk's Leadership Strengthens Jung Cheongrae... Path Open for Long-Term Democratic Party Rule"

"People Power Party Fixated on Street Politics," Analyst Says
"Local Elections Will Decide the Fate of Jang Donghyuk's Leadership"

Jin Joongkwon, a special professor at Kwangwoon University, commented on the election of Assemblyman Jang Donghyuk as the new leader of the People Power Party, predicting that the party is highly likely to adopt an extremely hardline stance and pursue politics outside of the parliament. Appearing on the YouTube channel Sisa Journal TV's program "Sisa Kkeutjang" on the 26th, Professor Jin said, "The People Power Party has become fixated on street politics," and added, "This opens the way for the Democratic Party to remain in power for an extended period."

In particular, he described the defeat of former presidential candidate and former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo by Jang Donghyuk as an "unexpected turn," analyzing that the hardline supporters had rallied around Jang. Professor Jin diagnosed, "As former Minister Kim tried to embrace figures from the camp of former leader Han Donghoon, he ended up provoking the hardliners." He also mentioned the role of conservative YouTubers in the leadership election, stating, "Conservative YouTubers like Jeon Hangil are playing the same role for the People Power Party as Kim Eo-jun does for the Democratic Party," and pointed out, "Protests outside the parliament that fail to win public support have clear limitations."

Professor Jin further commented, "With Jang Donghyuk now leading the party, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae will gain even more momentum. He will label the People Power Party as a 'party of insurrection,' and the public is likely to respond to that. In this structure, the path to long-term rule by the Democratic Party is now open." In conclusion, Professor Jin assessed that the possibility of a split within the People Power Party is low, but the outcome of next year's local elections will determine the success or failure of Jang Donghyuk's leadership. He especially warned, "If the party suffers a crushing defeat, the leadership could collapse and internal strife may resurface."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Meanwhile, on the 28th, the People Power Party held a parliamentary workshop to mark the launch of Jang Donghyuk's leadership, discussing strategies to respond to the regular National Assembly session in September and plans for political confrontation with the ruling party.

On the same day, at the workshop held at the Incheon International Airport Corporation's Human Resources Development Center in Jung-gu, Incheon, People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk said, "What lies before us is not hope, but oppression and suppression," and added, "We must fight to prevent the destruction and mismanagement of the nation by the Lee Jaemyung administration." He continued, "Both struggle and innovation require self-sacrifice. I hope this workshop will serve as a rallying point for us to give hope to the people and to go to battle against the Lee Jaemyung administration," and appealed, "I am prepared to risk everything and fight at the very front. Please stand with me."