Jang Donghyuk: "Lee Hyehoon's Appointment Is Only Superficial Cooperation... Bold Action Needed Against Party Betrayers"

"Need to Discuss Coalition Measures for the Unification Church Special Prosecutor Bill Before Year-End"

On December 29, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, downplayed the Lee Jaemyung administration's nomination of former United Future Party lawmaker Lee Hyehoon as Minister of Planning and Budget, saying, "This is merely an attempt to cover up various issues and create only the appearance of bipartisan cooperation."

Speaking with reporters at the Solaseado Promotion Center in Haenam County, Jeollanam-do, Jang stated, "The economic values demonstrated by former lawmaker Lee are fundamentally incompatible with the economic policies pursued by the Lee Jaemyung administration," adding, "I cannot hide my dismay at her acceptance of the ministerial post."

Yonhap News

While agreeing on the need for centrist expansion, Jang expressed opposition to recruiting figures from the opposing camp without a clear philosophy. He said, "It is hard to sympathize with the idea that one could abandon their convictions and values just for a brief moment in the sun, even if it means going to hell," emphasizing, "This is a time when it is even more important for a conservative party to firmly reestablish its values and prioritize party identity above all else."

He continued, "Centrist expansion should proceed as such, but when it comes to those who betray the party and hurt the hearts of party members, bold action is needed," referring to the need for the immediate expulsion of former lawmaker Lee.

Meanwhile, Jang announced plans to discuss a coalition with the Reform New Party and a special prosecutor bill on the Unification Church within the year. He said, "If an agreement on the special prosecutor for the Unification Church is not reached or the bill is not passed by tomorrow, the issue will gradually fade as we move past the end of the year and into the new year," adding, "It is clear that the Democratic Party is scheming to avoid the special prosecutor by simply getting past January 8, so we must take action before the end of the year."