Jang Donghyuk Resorts to 'Indefinite Hunger Strike' Card... Unlikely to Resolve Internal Strife

A Decisive Move Against the Opposition, Echoing the 24-Hour Filibuster
Divergent Interpretations of Political Motives
Party Unity Unlikely as Speculation Grows Over Han's Eventual Expulsion

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has resorted to an "indefinite hunger strike." While he claims this is a decisive move in the party's struggle against the opposition to push for a special prosecutor act on the "Unification Church and nomination bribery allegations," there are differing interpretations regarding his political motives. As a result, many predict that this action will not be enough to quell the internal strife that has reached its peak over the controversy surrounding the expulsion of former leader Han Donghoon.

On January 16, Jang continued his hunger strike for a second day at the National Assembly Rotunda. Starting at around 3:50 p.m. the previous day, he began his hunger protest, demanding that the Democratic Party accept a special prosecutor investigation into the Unification Church and nomination bribery allegations. Jang stated, "Through this hunger strike, I hope the Democratic Party's lawlessness will be conveyed to the public with a stronger voice."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, continues his hunger strike on January 16 at the National Assembly Rotunda, urging acceptance of the 'Double Special Prosecutor Act' regarding allegations of the Unification Church and nomination bribery. 2026.1.16 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On the surface, Jang is presenting a hardline stance against the opposition, but reactions within and outside the party remain cold. Many view this as a maneuver to shift the narrative after the internal conflict exploded over the expulsion of former leader Han. The previous day, Jang postponed a final decision on Han's expulsion and instead sought opinions at a general assembly of lawmakers. Analysts believe he is attempting to quell discontent and then use the hunger strike to strengthen party unity in the struggle against the opposition. Previously, when internal criticism mounted after he refused to apologize for martial law, Jang managed to defuse the situation by leading a 24-hour filibuster on December 22-23 against the bill to establish a special court for insurrection cases.

However, this time, most predict that the hunger strike will have only a limited effect in resolving the internal conflict. There is widespread speculation that Jang will ultimately decide to expel Han, and resistance within the party has not subsided. Bae Hyunjin, a lawmaker considered a close ally of Han, wrote on social media, "It is unlikely that public anger will be quelled by a hunger strike," adding, "As the person with ultimate responsibility for everything, Jang must personally untangle the knots he has tied." Another pro-Han lawmaker commented in a phone interview, "It is hard to see the sincerity in starting a hunger strike while only temporarily halting efforts to expel Han, who has fought well against the Democratic Party."

Meanwhile, some voices are supporting Jang's hunger strike while also raising questions about Han's responsibility. Jang Yechang, Vice President of the Yeouido Institute and a member of the anti-Han faction, said on YTN Radio that "if Jang shows true resolve through this hunger strike, public opinion could shift, just as it did when the special prosecutor for the Druking case was pushed through in the past." He added, "Han's refusal to make any statement on issues he could clarify, and his mention of political martial law, which has fueled internal conflict, are behaviors that warrant severe disciplinary action." A member of the party leadership remarked, "Since we are in the midst of a war, we must unite behind the hunger strike for now," and questioned, "Can those who undermine this effort really be considered part of the same team?"