Jang Sungchul: "Jang Donghyuk Likely to Recommend Expulsion or Dismissal of Han Donghoon" [Current Affairs Show]

Jang Donghyuk Has No Intention of Reforming to Meet Public Expectations
Han Donghoon Should Also Apologize for the 'Party Bulletin Board' Incident
Why Lee Junseok and Han Donghoon Don't Get Along

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

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

■ Guest: Jang Sungchul, Director of the Public Opinion Center (January 5)

So Jongseop: Welcome. Happy New Year.

Jang Sungchul: Thank you. Happy New Year to you too.

So Jongseop: Let's start with this topic. There are numerous allegations against Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, such as verbal abuse, mistreatment of aides, and her husband allegedly engaging in real estate speculation. Despite this, the President seems unwavering in his decision.

Jang Sungchul: The issue of assets will certainly be a specific subject of scrutiny. There are areas that fall under the scope of verification, and others that do not. Matters such as assets, statements related to insurrection, or comments about Islam are all aspects that can be examined in the public domain. Knowing this and still pushing ahead with the appointment suggests that the President is willing to endure this level of criticism. I think he placed greater importance on the justification of including conservative figures in the Cabinet. Right now, there are numerous stories circulating about the mistreatment of aides. There are even detailed testimonies from district council members about being verbally abused, being forced to take sides, and experiencing significant stress during pregnancy. These are matters that cannot be objectively verified. I myself served as an aide to Assemblywoman Lee Hyehoon in 2008 for about a year.

So Jongseop: Oh, is that so?

Jang Sungchul: There were only rumors that aides in her office changed frequently and that Lee Hyehoon used harsh language, but unless you experienced it yourself, like I did, it's not something that can be objectively verified. Lee Hyehoon once said things like, "I'll kill someone," and called people crazy. Would anyone confess to that? Since it happened about eight years ago, she might not even remember. That's why I think these issues, which are outside the scope of verification, are causing her considerable difficulties now.

Jang Sungchul, Director of the Public Opinion Center, appeared on The Asia Business Daily's "So Jongseop's Current Affairs Show" on the 5th.

So Jongseop: What was it like working with the nominee?

Lee Hyehoon Is Soft-Hearted, Sometimes Reflects After Outbursts

Jang Sungchul: After this incident broke out, some of the younger colleagues who worked with me at the time reached out. But the nominee actually has a soft heart. After an emotional outburst, she often reflects on her actions. For example, she would say to me, "Oh, I think I was too harsh on our intern earlier. Could you please comfort them so they don't feel hurt?" Sometimes she would even apologize directly to the intern, saying, "I'm sorry about earlier." She also apologized to me after getting upset a few times, saying, "I'm sorry. I was wrong."

It happens in the moment, but honestly, if she were like that 365 days a year, no one could work with her. There are other sides to her. For instance, although it was unusual at the time, when aides resigned, she would sometimes pay them an extra one or two months' salary, either by officially extending their contract or out of her own pocket to help them with their job search.

Her Fate May Be Decided by 'Expertise' Evaluation at the Confirmation Hearing

So Jongseop: So the "abuse of power" allegations aren't everything?

Jang Sungchul: There are other aspects to consider. For example, there were people who worked in that office for four to five years, or even more than ten years. If she were always like that, how could anyone work with her for so long? I'm not trying to defend the nominee, just pointing out that there were such cases. The People Power Party is quite amusing-they supposedly set up special and joint investigation teams called the "Lee Hyehoon Verification Special Investigation Headquarters" and the "Joint Investigation Headquarters," and are sending people to interview former aides, asking them to talk about their experiences with Lee Hyehoon. Of course, that's standard practice during personnel verification, but it seems more extensive this time.

So Jongseop: Are you excluded from that process?

Lee Hyehoon, nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, is greeting as he arrives at the hearing preparation office set up at the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of December 30. Photo by Yonhap News

Jang Sungchul: No one has contacted me. I think I've been left out. In any case, evaluating people is never easy. The President seems to value her expertise in the field most highly. She is truly outstanding in her area, especially in economics and budgeting, and I think that's what the President noticed. If that expertise is demonstrated at the confirmation hearing, people might say, "Well, she may have spoken harshly to aides and those around her in the past, but she is capable and seems fine." In that case, she will be appointed. But if it turns out she's not an expert or doesn't know her field well, then she can't be appointed.

So Jongseop: The People Power Party has reportedly appointed all the ethics committee members, so it looks like they will push ahead with disciplinary action against former leader Han Donghoon.

Jang Donghyuk Likely to Recommend Expulsion or Dismissal of Han Donghoon

Jang Sungchul: Their resolve is strong. For example, Jang Donghyuk and Kim Minsu, the Supreme Council member, seem determined to expel Han Donghoon from the People Power Party platform so that he can no longer engage in politics within the party. Once the ethics committee is formed, I think they will recommend expulsion or outright dismissal, not just a six-month suspension of party membership. If expulsion is recommended, he will be automatically expelled after ten days even if he doesn't voluntarily leave, so it seems they just want to kick him out of the platform.

So Jongseop: What do you think will happen then?

Jang Sungchul: Basically, Han Donghoon will probably file a lawsuit and wage a public opinion campaign. Around that time, he will likely issue a statement apologizing to party members and the public for the controversy involving his family. Politically, we need to see whether this benefits Jang Donghyuk or Han Donghoon. Jang Donghyuk seems uninterested in expanding the party's base or reforming it to meet public expectations. Instead, he appears to be aligning himself with YouTubers who espouse extreme views.

He seems intent on firmly securing the support of the 20 to 25 percent of party members and supporters who hold strong, extreme views. He seems more focused on solidifying his own political base than on winning the local elections. That's why I always say he lacks the qualifications to be party leader and the qualities to be a politician. Once you become party leader, you are a leader.

On August 11 last year, Han Donghoon, former leader, gave a congratulatory speech at the inauguration ceremony of Kim Hwajin, chairman of the People Power Party Jeonnam Provincial Party Committee, held at the Holiday Inn Gwangju Hotel in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

So, rather than pursuing personal gain, he should be working to strengthen the political position and capabilities of the conservative camp or the People Power Party as a whole. Even if it means some personal loss, if it benefits the party or boosts support for the conservative camp, that's what he should do. But I don't think he has any intention of doing that. I don't see any possibility that Jang Donghyuk will deliver reasonable or sensible messages or actions that meet public expectations.

So Jongseop: Senior lawmakers from the Yeongnam region have expressed concerns multiple times. With the elections approaching, will the People Power Party just accept this trend?

Jang Donghyuk Lacks Qualifications as Party Leader, No Intention for Reform That Meets Public Expectations

Jang Sungchul: They are watching the timing. For example, if Han Donghoon is expelled, or if the party raises the proportion of party members' votes in the local election nomination rules to 70 percent, or if, despite a court ruling against Yoon Gunhee and his wife, they keep repeating "Yoon Again" or "Lee Jaemyung is bad, Lee Jaemyung must be expelled, the election was rigged," then even if candidates run in such a party, they may win in the TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) region, but opinion polls show that support is shaky even in Busan and other areas.

Candidates and city, county, and district council members won't just sit still. If they lose the local elections again like they did in 2018, their political survival is at stake. At that point, I expect stronger voices and more active measures.

Director Jang Sungchul criticized former representative Han Donghoon, saying he recently backtracked and sent the wrong message.

So Jongseop: Former leader Han Donghoon has been very active lately. How do you evaluate his actions?

Jang Sungchul: I would say he has backtracked. He applauded Jang Donghyuk's 24-hour filibuster, saying, "Well done." Why would he send such a message? He claims that senior lawmakers in the party suggested it would be good to acknowledge what was done well, but that was a major misstep. By praising the Jang Donghyuk leadership, he completely undermined the fighting spirit of those who wanted to oust Jang Donghyuk. Even Han Donghoon, who claims to be the most persecuted, praised Jang Donghyuk, so people like me, who criticize Jang Donghyuk, are left wondering how to continue our criticism.

So Jongseop: So he sent the wrong message?

Han Donghoon Should Also Apologize Regarding the Party Bulletin Board

Jang Sungchul: He extended a hand for reconciliation, but Jang Donghyuk just brushed him off, saying, "No, I won't join hands with you." That completely demoralized his side. I believe the Jang Donghyuk leadership must fall. The commander who should be leading the fight at the front suddenly calls for a peace treaty, leaving the soldiers and platoon leaders on the front lines confused about what to do next. So I think that message was highly inappropriate and wrong. Currently, he is posting over ten opinions a day on Facebook about every issue. I wonder if it's right to comment on every single matter.

Regarding the party bulletin board, it was written by one person. That was wrong. He later said he found out about it, so he should express regret or apologize for his responsibility as a manager. But instead, he said, "I'll endure the criticism, but I won't let those who fabricated things get away with it." Is that really the right approach? Admitting mistakes coolly is also the mark of a leader. Why did we criticize Yoon Sukyeol? He never apologized for his or Kim Gunhee's mistakes, and instead persecuted people like me by telling broadcasters not to invite us. Is Han Donghoon that kind of leader-someone who never admits any faults or mistakes related to himself? When I criticize him for this, his supporters attack me, saying, "Jang Sungchul is a bad guy."

So Jongseop: How do you assess the actions of Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party?

Jang Sungchul: Lee Junseok has no intention of joining hands with Jang Donghyuk. How could Lee Junseok, who opposes "Yoon Again," join forces with Jang Donghyuk? At the very least, to have a conversation, there needs to be some justification or sound thinking, but this is a group that is simply unacceptable. Those who advocate "Yoon Again" are, in my view, outside the Constitution. They do not accept the systems and institutions of the Republic of Korea. How could you join hands with such people?

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So Jongseop: How would you describe the relationship between Lee Junseok and former leader Han Donghoon?

Lee Junseok and Han Donghoon Have a Poor Relationship. The Two Must Compete for Conservative Renewal

Jang Sungchul: Lee Junseok seems to really dislike him. I asked him directly, and he clearly dislikes him. When I asked why, he said that when they first formed the Reform New Party, Han Donghoon dismissed them, saying, "That party is just a second Democratic Party. It's a party with Democratic Party tendencies. It's a party created to help the Democratic Party." That really belittled them, and Lee Junseok holds a grudge over it.

On that point, Han Donghoon should offer some explanation if he wants to join hands with Lee Junseok or even have a conversation. Personally, I hope the conservative right will win the next administration. With Jang Donghyuk, that's out of the question. In the end, Han Donghoon and Lee Junseok must compete and be recognized by the public as the new face of conservatism. It's unfortunate that the two are turning their backs on each other and not meeting.

So Jongseop: There's an election on June 3 this year. In a word, how do you see it?

Jang Sungchul: The People Power Party will suffer a major defeat. Just like in 2018, I think they will only manage to hold onto the Daegu-Gyeongbuk metropolitan mayoral seats, and even the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region is at risk. If things continue as they are, they will simply lose the election.

So Jongseop: Thank you for today.

Jang Sungchul: Yes, thank you.