'Extra-Parliamentary Protest and Local Election Strategy'... Jang Donghyuk Visits Busan, Says "Lee Only Thinking of Dictatorship"

People Power Party Leadership Visits Busan to Rally Local Support
"Lee Sees Ministry Relocation as a Tool to Seize Local Power"
Stoking Momentum for Extra-Parliamentary Protests with the 'Asphalt Right'

The leadership of the People Power Party held its first on-site Supreme Council meeting in Busan on September 15, continuing its offensive against the Lee Jaemyung administration and the Democratic Party of Korea. By strengthening ties with conservative groups outside the National Assembly, such as Segyero Church in Busan, the party is seen as stoking the flames for potential street protests, while also working to solidify public sentiment in Busan, a key battleground for next year’s local elections.

People Power Party representative Jang Donghyuk is speaking at the on-site Supreme Council meeting held on the 15th at the Busan City Party Office in Namcheon-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan. Photo by Yonhap News

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the People Power Party’s Busan Metropolitan City Party Office in Suyeong-gu, Busan, on this day, People Power Party representative Jang Donghyuk stated, “The Lee Jaemyung administration has no regard for people’s livelihoods or regional interests. They are only interested in establishing a special tribunal for insurrection to destroy the opposition, shaking the judiciary under the guise of reform that is actually regression, and seizing local administrative power to rule dictatorially.”

Jang emphasized, “The idea of the National Assembly and political groups stepping in to set up a special tribunal for insurrection just because an arrest warrant was dismissed is something that could only happen in North Korea or China.” He also criticized the judiciary, saying, “Under the Lee Jaemyung administration, the judiciary has capitulated too easily to power, which is why the ruthless Democratic Party of Korea is now targeting the judiciary. Judicial independence must be protected by the judiciary itself.”

There is analysis that Jang’s two-day visit to Busan, which began the previous day, is intended as a prelude to potential street protests. On the previous day, Jang attended a worship service at Segyero Church, where Pastor Son Hyeonbo, who was arrested on charges of pre-election campaigning during the presidential election, serves as the lead pastor. Pastor Son is known for leading the Protestant group “Save Korea” and organizing rallies opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Sukyeol.

Within the People Power Party, there is growing support for taking to the streets if the Democratic Party of Korea continues to push forward with legislative and reform initiatives and special prosecutor investigations. If the government organization act amendment, including prosecution reform, is passed at the plenary session on the 25th under the Democratic Party’s leadership, and further judicial reforms such as the special tribunal for insurrection are pursued, there is speculation that the party may once again join forces with “asphalt conservatives” for street protests.

In particular, the People Power Party believes that the government and ruling party have crossed the line by pushing for judicial reform and even mentioning the resignation of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hui-dae. Jang pointed out, “The seat occupied by Chief Justice Cho is not a personal position for Cho Hui-dae, but the last bastion for upholding the rule of law and judicial independence in the Republic of Korea.” Kim Jaewon, Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, also remarked, “The ruling party’s direct attack on Chief Justice Cho is a sign of collective madness.”

People Power Party representative Jang Donghyuk is answering questions from reporters before attending a worship service at Segyero Church in Gangseo-gu, Busan, on the morning of the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

The visit to Busan by Jang and other People Power Party leaders is also aimed at winning over local sentiment ahead of next year’s local elections. Although Park Hyungjun, a member of the People Power Party, is currently serving as mayor of Busan, recent polls show Jeon Jaesoo, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries from the Democratic Party of Korea, leading within the margin of error, making it difficult to predict the outcome of next year’s elections.

For Jang, who has staked his leadership on next year’s local elections, victory in Busan is essential. He criticized, “If the Lee Jaemyung administration had truly cared about Busan and balanced regional development, the recent government reorganization plan would have included measures to strengthen the status and functions of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, but not a single line addresses this. The relocation of the ministry is seen only as a tool for seizing local administrative power, not as an opportunity for Busan’s development or balanced growth.”

Jang added, “Not only must the relocation of the Korea Development Bank proceed without delay, but regional infrastructure such as Busan New Port and the new Gadeokdo International Airport must also be supported. Only then can Busan achieve its dream of becoming a global maritime capital and hub city where logistics and finance come together.”