"Summoning the Ghost of Yoon... Is a Second Yoon Sukyeol in the Making?" Political Circles Clash over Jang Donghyuk's Visit

Democratic Party: "Political Glorification of Insurrection Without Remorse"
Reform Party: "Conservative Reconstruction Begins Only by Moving Beyond Yoon"

The Democratic Party of Korea and the Reform Party have strongly criticized Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, for his visit to former President Yoon Sukyeol in detention.

Baek Seunga, floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a commentary on the 18th, "Jang's visit to Yoon Sukyeol is political glorification of insurrection without remorse," adding, "It is, in effect, a public declaration to the nation that denies the illegality of martial law and impeachment, and amounts to far-right agitation." She argued, "What the people want right now is not 'struggle,' but sincere reflection and accountability for the insurrection that destroyed the constitutional order," and claimed, "The country was thrown into chaos by the illegal martial law and insurrection under the Yoon Sukyeol administration, and both the Constitution and democracy were destroyed."

She continued, "Nevertheless, Jang is glorifying the main perpetrator of the insurrection in the name of 'prayer' and 'struggle,' reviving the specter of a regime that trampled on constitutional order," adding, "As a political leader, he should make a public apology before the people." Baek further intensified her criticism of the People Power Party, stating, "A party that does not reflect on insurrection cannot be a partner in democracy."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference at the National Assembly on September 30. 2025.9.30 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The Reform Party also raised issues with Jang's visit. In a statement released on the 19th, Lee Donghun, chief spokesperson, said, "Jang Donghyuk of the People Power Party visited former President Yoon, who is currently in detention, and declared, 'Let us save the free Republic of Korea from collapse under the leftist regime.' However, it was Yoon Sukyeol himself who undermined the free Republic of Korea."

Lee stated, "Yoon Sukyeol is not a liberal democrat. He was a proponent of prosecutorial authoritarianism and power-worship, and a fascist who destroyed politics by relying on conspiracy theories," adding, "The people know why, no matter how poorly the Lee Jaemyung administration may govern, they do not see the People Power Party as a viable alternative. It is because they have failed to break away from Yoon Sukyeol."

He emphasized, "The public feels not just fatigue but revulsion at the sight of Jang visiting Yoon in an attempt to resurrect that specter and calling for unity in struggle," and added, "The reconstruction of conservatism must begin by moving beyond Yoon Sukyeol."

On the 17th, Jang visited Seoul Detention Center and met with former President Yoon for about 10 minutes. The meeting was conducted through standard visitation procedures, and Supreme Council member Kim Minsu accompanied him. The following day, on the 18th, Jang revealed the visit on Facebook, stating that former President Yoon was maintaining his composure through faith and prayer despite his incarceration. He added, "Now we, too, must unite and fight together," and called on people to "stand together to defend the free Republic of Korea, which is being shaken by the leftist regime, and to restore peace to the people."

Jang had previously stated during the party leadership race that he would visit former President Yoon in person, and this visit was reportedly part of fulfilling that pledge. An initial attempt at a special visitation was denied by the detention center due to ongoing investigations, resulting in the cancellation of that plan.