People Power Party Holds Emergency Meeting in Afternoon...Seeking Exit Strategy for Jang Donghyuk's Hunger Strike

Jang Donghyuk's Hunger Strike Enters Seventh Day
Opinions to Be Gathered at Emergency Parliamentary Meeting

On the afternoon of January 21, the People Power Party decided to hold an emergency parliamentary meeting to seek an exit strategy for party leader Jang Donghyuk, who has been on a hunger strike for seven days.

Choi Sujin, the party's chief spokesperson for the parliamentary floor, told reporters at the National Assembly that day, "Representative Jang's condition is very poor," adding, "We will gather opinions through the emergency meeting at 2 p.m."

Jang Donghyuk has continued his hunger strike at the National Assembly Rotunda, demanding dual special prosecutors to investigate bribery allegations involving the Unification Church and the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate nominations. Since the previous day, his health has deteriorated rapidly, prompting him to use an oxygen device and keep an emergency bell nearby to immediately alert others if his condition worsens. Although medical staff have recommended that he be transferred to a hospital, Jang has refused this advice.

On the 7th day of his hunger strike, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is lying down after having a conversation with Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, who visited the protest site at the National Assembly Rotunda on January 21, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Seo Myeongok, a lawmaker serving as the head of the medical support team for the hunger strike, stated, "Starting today, we will administer electrolyte drinks and maintain a 24-hour emergency standby system," and added, "Depending on the situation this afternoon, we are also considering the possibility of urgently transferring him to a hospital, even if he objects."

People Power Party lawmakers plan to hold a parliamentary meeting to devise measures to persuade Jang Donghyuk to end his hunger strike. While some within the party argue that the Democratic Party's proposal for special prosecutors to investigate both the Unification Church and Shincheonji should be accepted, the party leadership maintains that the investigations into the Unification Church and Shincheonji should proceed separately. This issue is also expected to be discussed at the parliamentary meeting.

Meanwhile, Kim Jaewon, the Supreme Council member who began a hunger strike alongside Jang, announced that he would end his fast after three days. Kim explained, "Due to a strong warning from my doctor, I can no longer continue the hunger strike," adding, "The body of the party leader does not belong to him alone. As the leader of the entire conservative bloc, he must fight against the oppressive politics of the Lee Jaemyung administration and the Democratic Party, which is why I am calling on Representative Jang to end his hunger strike."