Kang Jeonae x Kim Junil: "Jang Donghyeok's Leadership May Not Last Much Longer at This Rate" [Current Affairs Show]

Kang Jeonae: "Representative Jang Donghyeok Must Change"
Kim Junil: "Jang Donghyeok Is Becoming a 'Little Yoon Sukyeol'"

■ Broadcast: The Asia Business Daily's 'So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show' (Monday to Friday, 4-5 PM)

■ Host: Political Specialist So Jongseop ■ Director: Producer Lee Kyungdo

■ Guests: Kang Jeonae, former spokesperson of the People Power Party; Kim Junil, current affairs commentator (December 3)

So Jongseop: The People Power Party released messages marking the first anniversary of the martial law, but I think the public might find them confusing. Representative Jang Donghyeok issued a message that seemed to defend the martial law, saying it was to counter the tyranny of the legislature. On the other hand, Floor Leader Song Wonseok issued a sincere apology, and former Representative Han Donghoon also released an apology.

Kang Jeonae: Floor Leader Song Wonseok released an apology, and in that message, he said that all People Power Party lawmakers apologize and express regret. Jang Donghyeok is also one of those lawmakers. However, the message Jang Donghyeok released only stated that the martial law was to counter the tyranny of the legislature-just that much. He was reiterating what the Constitutional Court pointed out about the Democratic Party's runaway actions. Former President Yoon Sukyeol has also continuously argued this point. Last week, Jang Donghyeok made similar comments verbally in a local area, but this time, the message itself was released in this form.

This is something that happened in the past. What people are asking now is how the People Power Party will move forward. As the representative conservative party of Korea, the party leader should present a vision for the future, but he is failing to provide a proper answer. In fact, today marks 100 days since he was elected as party leader at the national convention by party members. Given this, I think a more responsible message should have been delivered. Personally, I find this very disappointing.

As a result, apology messages are pouring out, mainly from first- and second-term lawmakers. I believe this situation will continue for a while. There are certainly parts where the public may think, "They never apologize or reflect on their actions." That is why I believe Representative Jang Donghyeok himself needs to show more willingness to change.

※ Click the video to watch the full content.

So Jongseop: Confusing messages-this situation, where the People Power Party cannot present a unified stance, seems to be repeating even after a year.

Kim Junil: The Democratic Party must be thinking, "Hang in there, Jang Donghyeok!" or something like that. Today, 25 People Power Party lawmakers jointly issued an apology statement. It can no longer be seen as just the so-called pro-Han faction. Ahn Cheolsoo, Kim Sungwon, Song Seokjun, Shin Sungbeom, Choi Hyungdoo, Kwon Youngjin, Cho Eunhee... This cannot be seen as just the voice of the pro-Han faction. Furthermore, Floor Leader Song Wonseok apologized. Lawmaker Kwon Youngse also wrote on Facebook, "Declaring martial law was a choice that should never have been made, and as a senior ruling party member, I have no excuse for failing to stop it." The tone and level of apology differ, but everyone except Jang Donghyeok has apologized. What is the party leader planning to do now? Frankly, I think he might get ousted in this situation.

Do you know how many interim leaders the People Power Party has had since changing its name in 2020? Eight. In five years, eight interim leaders. Do you know how many party leaders? Four. The party is more accustomed to interim leadership. This party is always embroiled in power struggles, ousting and appointing leaders, not really the People Power Party but the "Senior Power Party." They didn't step forward themselves but put Jang Donghyeok out front to block Han Donghoon from gaining power. If things don't work out, they'll find a way to oust him again. In my view, his days are numbered. With everyone except Jang Donghyeok taking this stance, he is isolated.

Representative Jang Donghyeok Must Make a Quick and Decisive Change

Kang Jeonae: Since he was elected through the national convention, for what you mentioned to happen, there would need to be resignations from the top committee members, like during Han Donghoon's tenure. But we'll have to wait and see. I think the public must be very frustrated, and even though the Democratic Party is running rampant, the public is not turning to the People Power Party, as shown by stagnant poll numbers.

With local elections coming up next year, it's time to reflect deeply. But I think Representative Jang Donghyeok is aware of this. If he fails to win the local elections next year, he surely knows what will happen to his political career. Ultimately, he needs to deliver a message of centrist expansion, and for that, the party leader himself must change. I believe he is deeply troubled, but he needs to make a decision quickly. As the local elections approach, the situation is heating up, especially among those planning to run.

So Jongseop: Is it possible for internal change to take root within the Jang Donghyeok leadership?

Kang Jeonae: The representative himself will have no choice but to make a decision. I believe he is deliberating.

Kim Junil: A decision to step down?

So Jongseop: Or the possibility of change.

Kang Jeonae: When the apology message was released, the public might have thought it was just rhetoric ahead of the election. They may not see it as sincere. He said he would go to Gwangju every month, but I question whether his current actions truly warrant such a commitment.

So Jongseop: What do you think about the possibility of change under Jang Donghyeok's leadership, and what would be the actual political effect if change occurs?

Representative Jang: Shifting One Degree to the Right Each Day

Kim Junil: When he was first elected, he said he would shift one degree to the left each day. But now, he's not moving one degree to the left-he's shifting one degree to the right each day. It's not a crime for politicians to change, but flip-flopping greatly undermines trust. If someone is like Hwang Kyoan and suddenly goes to Gwangju at a similar time, can you really trust such a politician? After much deliberation, he keeps making poor moves. Whether the People Power Party apologizes or not, honestly, the public is just watching with folded arms. Even if they sincerely apologize, people who have experienced such a shocking event need time for their hearts to heal. However, by acting this way, Representative Jang Donghyeok is only prolonging the People Power Party's period of suffering. Whatever you do, it's up to you-this is almost the situation now.

Kang Jeonae: Personally, I hope the vacant appointed top committee member position is filled. If Representative Jang makes some statements and appoints someone to that position whom the public believes could bring change, it might not be a bad idea. Something needs to change, but right now, just letting things slide feels rather embarrassing.

An Effective Opposition Is Needed to Keep the Government in Check

Kim Junil: From my perspective, Representative Jang Donghyeok is becoming a "Little Yoon Sukyeol." What do I mean? He drinks heavily. From what I've heard, he often drinks with the youngest reporters assigned to the National Assembly. He tends to avoid people who criticize him and usually eats with Supreme Council Member Kim Minsu or Chief of Staff Park Juntae. Moreover, he reportedly complains about the Chosun, JoongAng, and DongA newspapers. Yoon Sukyeol was the same. He believes the answer lies on YouTube-another similarity. He really needs to wake up. For the Democratic Party government to be kept in check, the opposition needs to function normally. If Representative Jang Donghyeok continues like this, who will pay attention to his message?