"Is the Party Becoming a Core Fan Club?" Why the Opposition Insists on Expanding Party Member Influence Despite Internal Backlash

Incumbent Local Government Heads and Lawmakers Oppose Expanding Party Member Vote
Planning Team and Leadership Remain Firm on the Proposal
Move Aims to Strengthen Confrontational Stance and Consolidate Jang Donghyuk’s Leadership

The People Power Party is maintaining its plan to increase the proportion of party member votes to 70% in local election primaries, despite internal opposition. Analysts suggest that this move is aimed at strengthening the leadership of Representative Jang Donghyuk by reinforcing the party's confrontational stance against the government as an election strategy, while also consolidating support among established factions within the party who stand to benefit from the increased weight of party member votes.

According to political sources on November 26, the People Power Party’s Local Election General Planning Team is expected to soon report its proposed changes to the local election primary rules to the party leadership. The planning team reaffirmed its position to expand the influence of party member votes the previous day, and Representative Jang has backed this stance, stating, “As party leader, I have promised to expand party members’ rights.” With this support, the discussions are expected to accelerate. To incorporate the rule changes into the party’s constitution and regulations, approval from the Supreme Council is required, followed by procedures at the Standing National Committee and the National Committee.

On the 25th, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Na Kyungwon, the chairperson, is speaking at the joint meeting of the People Power Party's Local Election General Planning Team and the party-affiliated mayors, county heads, and district chiefs. 2025.11.25 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regardless of the intentions of the planning team and the leadership, opposition to the changes in nomination rules is growing. At a joint meeting held in the National Assembly the previous day between the planning team and incumbent local government heads, there was strong criticism of the plan to increase the weight of party member votes. Choi Jinbong, head of Jung-gu District in Busan, said, “Instead of becoming a ‘daughter party’ like the Democratic Party, we should increase the proportion of public opinion.” Seo Cheolmo, head of Seo-gu District in Daejeon, pointed out, “While individual abilities are important in local elections, ultimately, it is necessary to boost the party’s approval rating.”

Within the party, dissatisfaction among incumbent lawmakers is mounting. Yoon Sanghyun, the most senior lawmaker in the Seoul metropolitan area, remarked, “Local elections are not about electing a party leader, but are arenas where the people directly cast their votes.” He added, “The path that goes against public sentiment should be reconsidered.” Kim Yongtae, a member of the reformist faction, also argued, “We win elections by winning the hearts of the majority of the people,” and insisted, “Candidates for public office should be selected through a 100% open primary.”

The main reason for sticking to the plan to expand the influence of party member votes, despite opposition both inside and outside the party, is considered to be Representative Jang’s weak position within the party. As a “one-and-a-half-term” leader, Jang is seen as moving in a direction favorable to the established faction in the Yeongnam region in order to solidify his power base. Political commentator Park Sangbyung explained, “By increasing the proportion of party member votes, Representative Jang is seeking to consolidate his leadership around the Yeongnam power base, which is advantageous to the established faction, and use this as a survival strategy after the local elections.”

There is also analysis that the party is focusing on strengthening its core support base to enhance its fighting power, as it has set “a hardline confrontation with the government” as its local election strategy for next year. A local government head from the Yeongnam region said in a phone interview, “Compared to the Democratic Party, which rallies tightly around its hardline supporters, there is a perception that the People Power Party is complacent. To exert proper centripetal force, the party must expand its base.”