Jang Donghyuk's Prolonged Hunger Strike... People Power Party Seeks an Exit

Refusing Hospital Transfer and IV Treatment
Unable to Preside Over Meeting Due to Deteriorating Health

As Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, continues his hunger strike for the eighth consecutive day, the agreement between the ruling and opposition parties to hold a confirmation hearing for Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, has emerged as a variable in the party's exit strategy.

The decision by both parties to hold the confirmation hearing for Lee on January 23 could mark a turning point in the political landscape. On January 22, Jang continued his hunger strike for the eighth day, refusing to be transferred to the hospital or receive IV treatment. As his health deteriorated rapidly, he was unable to preside over the party’s Supreme Council meeting that day.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is being supported by party officials as he moves in the National Assembly Rotunda protest hall on the eighth day of his hunger strike. 2025.1.22 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The People Power Party, now operating under emergency measures, believes it is no longer feasible for Jang to continue his hunger strike and is seeking an exit strategy. The previous day, the party held an emergency general meeting and, in a statement signed by all its lawmakers, urged Jang to end his hunger strike. However, Jang refused, stating, "I will be buried here, and the Democratic Party will be buried by public opinion." One re-elected lawmaker from the People Power Party said, "We tried to persuade him that if the struggle is to continue, it should be through methods such as a relay hunger strike by lawmakers, but the leader remains adamant." On the afternoon of January 22, Hong Ikpyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, visited Jang ahead of a meeting with Song Eonseok, the party’s floor leader, suggesting that a natural exit could emerge. However, since the government remains negative toward demands for dual special prosecutors or a one-on-one summit, there are expectations that discussions may remain at a theoretical level. A senior lawmaker representing a district in Busan commented, "With the party facing a complicated situation both inside and out, it is difficult to see a clear exit after the sudden start of the hunger strike."

Meanwhile, the outcome of Lee’s confirmation hearing on January 23 is expected to become a new variable. Attention is focused on whether the People Power Party can use the hearing as an opportunity to turn the tide. The key issue will be whether the party can build public consensus at the hearing regarding the suspicions it has raised so far.