On January 18, the fourth day since Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, began his hunger strike demanding that the Democratic Party of Korea accept a 'dual special prosecution' on the Unification Church and nomination bribery, he reaffirmed his determination to continue his protest without interruption.
That afternoon, Jang wrote on Facebook, "Since yesterday, a single rose has been by my side. It was prepared to die from the moment it arrived. Both the rose and I are relying on water. I must not collapse first."
In the morning, he posted, "Day 4 of the hunger strike. My body is struggling, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a clear mind as time goes by," but added, "I will protect freedom and the rule of law until the end."
On the 18th, Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, who has been continuing a four-day hunger strike in the National Assembly Rotunda demanding the Democratic Party of Korea accept a 'dual special prosecution' on the Unification Church and nomination bribery, is receiving a medical examination from the National Assembly medical staff. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Jang began his hunger strike in the Rotunda of the National Assembly main building on January 15, consuming only water and small amounts of salt. Since the previous day, his health has reportedly deteriorated rapidly to the point where he is unable to properly ingest even salt. On this day, after a medical examination due to a sudden decline in physical strength, Jang refused the National Assembly medical staff's recommendation to end his hunger strike.
Supporters continued to visit the protest site. Jeong Heeyong, Secretary General; Park Juntae, Chief of Staff; Seo Cheonho, Vice President for Strategic Planning; Kim Jangkyum, Chief Political Affairs Officer; Choi Sujin, Senior Spokesperson for Parliamentary Affairs; and lawmakers Lim Ija, Seo Myeongok, and Jo Jiyeon stayed by Jang's side. Some local party chapter heads and party members visited the site, holding placards with messages such as "Stop the ruling party's unjust oppression of the opposition," "Accept the special prosecution for the Unification Church Gate," and "Accept the special prosecution for nomination bribery," showing their support.
Yoon Heesook, former head of the party's Innovation Committee, also visited the protest site to shake hands with and encourage Jang. Dozens of flower baskets and wreaths with messages of support from party members were stacked near the protest site.
In the afternoon, several senior party figures visited to offer encouragement, including Hwang Woo-yeo, Senior Advisor; Kim Sungtae, former Floor Leader who led the 'Druking special prosecution' through a hunger strike; Oh Sehoon, Mayor of Seoul; Yoo Jeongbok, Mayor of Incheon; Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province; Kwon Youngjin and Cho Eunhee, lawmakers from the party's reformist group 'Alternatives and Future'; and Jang Yechang, Deputy Director of the Yeouido Institute.
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