Jang Donghyuk Continues Hunger Strike Despite Senior Lawmakers' Appeals, Ultimately Refuses Hospital Transfer

Attempt to Transport Jang by Stretcher Fails as He Refuses Hospitalization
"Meeting with Hong Ikpyo Falls Through... Lacks Basic Human Decency"

Senior members of the People Power Party urged leader Jang Donghyuk to end his hunger strike on January 21, but Jang ultimately refused to be transported to the hospital and continued his fast.

On the 21st, emergency medical personnel arrived at the National Assembly Rotunda where Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, has been on a hunger strike for several days. January 21, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

That afternoon, the People Power Party held a general assembly at the National Assembly, where members agreed to recommend that Jang stop his hunger strike out of concern for his deteriorating health. Song Eonseok, the party’s floor leader, visited Jang immediately after the assembly and stated, “We once again confirmed that we fully support the leader’s strong stance in the fight against the ruling bloc,” adding, “All members have expressed their hope that Leader Jang will end his hunger strike.”

Senior lawmakers including Kim Seokki and Na Kyungwon also tried to persuade him, saying, “You need to go to the hospital first.” Emergency medical personnel arrived with a stretcher and attempted to transport Jang, but he strongly refused, and the team eventually left empty-handed. During the commotion, some supporters applauded and shouted, “Jang Donghyuk, fighting!” and “If you leave now, the country will die. You must endure at all costs.”

Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, told reporters immediately after the emergency personnel withdrew, “Senior lawmakers tried several times to persuade Leader Jang, but he insisted on not moving,” explaining, “His resolve is so strong that it is difficult to transport him to the hospital.”

Regarding the fact that Hong Ikpyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, visited the National Assembly but did not stop by Jang’s hunger strike site, Park criticized, “The leader of the main opposition party is risking his life and giving everything in this fight, but the Senior Secretary left through a side door without even checking in, just a few meters away. That is not basic human decency,” adding, “This scene shows a side of democracy where dialogue and compromise have disappeared.”

Jang has been on a hunger strike for seven days at the National Assembly Rotunda, demanding the introduction of dual special prosecutors to investigate both the Unification Church Gate and allegations of nomination fund corruption involving the Democratic Party of Korea.