Fourth Day of Hunger Strike Demanding Dual Special Investigations... Jang Donghyuk Says "I Regain My Composure with the Scent of Flowers"

Hunger Strike Continues in Rotunda Hall as Party Leadership Visits
Expresses Feelings: "I Couldn't Have Endured Without the Support of Party Members"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has reached the fourth day of his hunger strike, which he began to demand the introduction of a special investigation into the Unification Church and nomination corruption. On January 18, Jang posted on Facebook, stating, "My body is struggling, and as time passes, it's becoming harder to stay mentally strong," but added, "I will endure to the end so that freedom and the rule of law are not shaken."

People Power Party representative Jang Donghyuk is continuing his fourth day of a hunger strike on the 18th at the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly, demanding the Democratic Party of Korea accept a 'dual special prosecution' regarding the Unification Church and nomination bribery. Photo by Yonhap News

In his post, Jang said, "I regain my composure with the scent of flowers that occasionally drifts over from the opposite side of the Rotunda Hall," and added, "If it weren't for the support of party members and supporters, it would have been difficult to hold out." He continued, "The Republic of Korea should not be a country swayed by those in power, but a nation where justice flows like a river."

Jang's hunger strike began on January 15. He has set up a tent in the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly and is continuing his protest by consuming only water. Signs of fatigue have been evident around him, and some lawmakers have visited the site to offer encouragement.

There have also been dissenting opinions within the party regarding the hunger strike. Bae Hyunjin, a lawmaker considered to be aligned with Han Donghoon, urged Jang to end his hunger strike through a Facebook post the previous day. Bae argued, "Starting a hunger strike alone without party consensus will only invite ridicule from the Democratic Party," and added, "With the local elections approaching, now is the time to resolve internal divisions and strengthen the party's organization."

On the 18th, the fourth day of his hunger strike demanding the Democratic Party accept a dual special prosecution regarding the Unification Church and nomination bribery, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, received a flower basket in support at the National Assembly Rotunda. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Party leadership and lawmakers continued to visit the hunger strike site. Senior lawmakers such as Na Kyungwon and Lim Ija visited Jang, and some young party members issued statements of support in front of the National Assembly. In conversations with them, Jang reportedly reiterated his resolve to continue the protest, describing it as "a decision to create a fair society."