Democratic Party: "Skeptical of Jang Donghyuk's Apology... Nothing More Than Election Lip Service"

Changing the Party's Name Alone Won't Convince the Public
Park Ji-won: "Breaking Ties with Yoon Sukyeol Is the Ultimate Reform"

Regarding Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, issuing an apology related to the 12·3 Martial Law and outlining the direction for revising the party's name, the Democratic Party of Korea urged responsible follow-up measures, stating, "What matters is sincerity and action." Figures from the Democratic Party expressed skepticism toward Jang's commitment to reform.

Park Suhyeon, Chief Spokesperson for the Democratic Party, made these remarks to reporters after the party's Supreme Council meeting that day, in response to Jang's public apology. Park pointed out, "It is doubtful whether the public will accept this as a sincere apology, given the inconsistency between appointing someone who defended Kim Keonhee as the People Power Party's Ethics Committee Chair and offering a belated apology for the martial law." He added, "From now on, the public will be watching to see whether today's apology from the People Power Party will be followed by genuine actions."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is announcing the party reform plan at an emergency press conference held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on January 7, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding the People Power Party's announcement of its intention to change the party's name, Park remarked, "This is a scene we've witnessed many times before," and added, "Even if you change your clothes, the smell won't go away if you don't clean your body underneath." He further criticized, "The public remembers well the history of attempts to cover up the past through changing the party's name." He argued that simply changing the party's name would not convince the public of the party's willingness to change.

Park Honggeun, a Democratic Party lawmaker, also commented on social media, saying, "The announced reform plan is nothing more than a deceptive tactic aimed at the public and mere lip service for the election." He continued, "Do you really believe you can avoid the raging waves and backlash without decisively severing ties with Yoon Sukyeol, the mastermind behind the rebellion?" Park Ji-won, another Democratic Party lawmaker, also wrote on social media, "The greatest reform for the People Power Party should begin with a break from Yoon Sukyeol, the ringleader of the rebellion, and reflection on their cooperation and support for his administration." He criticized, "The main target of reform is the very person who announced the reform plan to prolong his own political career-this is merely turning a blind eye to the real issue."

On this day, Jang held a press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido under the theme of "Winning Change," stating, "We have caused great confusion and inconvenience to the public by using inappropriate and misguided means." He added, "As the ruling party, which has been a pillar of state administration, we feel a heavy sense of responsibility and sincerely apologize to the public." Regarding party reform, Jang also announced, "We will redefine the party's values and direction and, after seeking the opinions of all party members, push forward with revising the party's name."