DP Criticizes Jang Donghyuk for "Stoking Anti-China Sentiment" over Online Comment Nationality Proposal

Jeon Yonggi: "Turning the Conservative Party into a Laughingstock"

On January 10, the Democratic Party of Korea criticized Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, for proposing that nationalities be displayed on online comments, stating, "At this crucial moment, political offensives that could provoke anti-China sentiment do not serve the national interest or benefit diplomacy."

Spokesperson Kim Jiho issued a statement on the same day, saying, "President Lee Jaemyung is continuing diplomatic efforts to improve Korea-China relations and ease the Korean Wave ban through a recent summit in China," and criticized Jang's remarks accordingly.

Kim further stated that the policy for managing online comments falls under the self-regulatory domain of portal sites and platforms, adding, "If the political sphere directly intervenes in the service structure of private companies through laws and regulations, it could become yet another excessive regulation and raise significant concerns regarding freedom of expression and privacy protection."

He also mentioned the controversy surrounding the People Power Party's own party member bulletin board, stating, "If there are genuine concerns about opinion manipulation, the People Power Party should first strengthen real-name verification and accountability on its own party bulletin board before demanding that citizens display their nationalities."

Jeon Yonggi, a Democratic Party lawmaker, also commented on Facebook, "It seems that Jang is following in the footsteps of Yoon Sukyeol, who selectively watched only far-right YouTube channels," and criticized, "The opposition party leader is directly turning the conservative party into a laughingstock."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on January 8, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin