Han Donghoon Congratulates Jang Donghyuk on Election: "Lead the Party with Common Sense and Public Sentiment"

Han Donghoon Congratulates Former Ally Jang Donghyuk
Jang Donghyuk Parts Ways with Han Over Opposition to Yoon's Impeachment
Jang Chooses Jeon Hangil Over Han Donghoon in Leadership Debate

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon extended his congratulations to Jang Donghyuk, the newly elected leader, who was once a close associate. On August 30, through his YouTube channel, Han stated, "The People Power Party National Convention was held. I congratulate the newly elected leader Jang Donghyuk and those who have been elected," adding, "I also offer words of consolation to those who fought hard but unfortunately were not elected."

Jang Donghyuk, Leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Han continued, "I would like to ask that the party be led in accordance with common sense and public sentiment," addressing supporters by saying, "A lot has happened, and you may have been hurt by some of those events, but I hope everyone can stay strong and move forward." This congratulatory message mentioning Jang by name comes four days after Jang was elected as leader on August 26.

Jang was once considered a key figure among Han's close associates. He served as Secretary-General during Han Donghoon's tenure as Emergency Response Committee Chairman, and as Chief Supreme Council Member when Han was party leader. However, following the December 3 Martial Law last year, the relationship between the two rapidly deteriorated during the impeachment crisis of former President Yoon Sukyeol, as Jang maintained his opposition to the impeachment.

In July of last year, Han Donghoon, then elected leader of the People Power Party, is taking a commemorative photo holding the party flag together with Jang Donghyuk, a Supreme Council member. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Decisively, after the impeachment bill against former President Yoon was passed at the National Assembly plenary session on December 14 last year, internal divisions within the party targeting then-leader Han Donghoon intensified. While Han expressed his intention to continue his duties at a closed-door parliamentary meeting, then-Supreme Council Member Jang Donghyuk decided to resign, which became the catalyst for the collapse of Han's leadership.

The differences among candidates regarding Han Donghoon were also clearly revealed during the party leader election TV debate on August 23. When the moderator asked, "Between former leader Han Donghoon and Jeon Hangil, who would you nominate as the candidate for the by-election?" Jang chose Jeon. In contrast, rival candidate Kim Moonsoo said, "Former leader Han Donghoon not only served as our party leader, but he still has a promising future, so it would be right to nominate him for a position where he can lead the party to victory. Both are outstanding individuals, but Han is one of our party's assets," thus choosing Han. Han, in turn, indirectly supported Kim by sending a message aimed at Jang, saying, "We must prevent the worst-case scenario."