Ahn Cheol-soo: "Hunger Strike and Party Bulletin Board Are Separate Issues... Han Donghun's Visit Is Secondary"

Conservative Opposition Figures Continue to Visit
Han Donghun's Side: "No Plans to Visit"
Ruling Party and Presidential Office Remain Silent

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, drew a clear line between the hunger strike led by party leader Jang Donghyuk and the controversy surrounding former leader Han Donghun on the party members’ online bulletin board. He emphasized that the essence of the hunger strike lies in demanding a special prosecution targeting the Democratic Party, and pointed out that the focus of the issue is being blurred by internal party conflicts.

Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, is attending the breakfast meeting of the 'Alternatives and Future,' a group of newly elected lawmakers, held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 20th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

On the 21st, Assemblyman Ahn wrote on his social media, "Amid the cold wave, Leader Jang's hunger strike continues, and concerns about his health are growing." He went on to stress, "The purpose of this hunger strike is to pass the special prosecution law to investigate the alleged crimes of the Unification Church and nomination bribery involving Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party," and evaluated it as "an extreme choice to uncover serious corruption allegations against the ruling party through investigation."

However, Assemblyman Ahn expressed concern that recent public attention has shifted from the special prosecution itself to whether certain party figures are visiting the hunger strike site. He pointed out, "From the public's perspective, the reason why the opposition leader began the hunger strike is gradually fading," and added, "There is more interest in whether former leader Han Donghun will appear at the hunger strike site than in the special prosecution itself."

He continued, "Strictly speaking, the hunger strike and the party bulletin board issue are separate matters," and questioned, "Even if former leader Han visits the hunger strike site, will that ensure the dual special prosecution law passes the plenary session?" Assemblyman Ahn argued, "The party bulletin board should be addressed according to procedure, while Leader Jang's hunger strike should more clearly inform the public of its original purpose-exposing the Democratic Party's corruption. Now more than ever, we must focus on the essence of the matter."

It was reported that Assemblyman Ahn made similar remarks during the regular meeting of "Alternatives and Future," a group of first- and second-term lawmakers, on the same day. Assemblyman Lee Seongkwon said after the meeting, "There was a consensus that Leader Jang's hunger strike is not a means to resolve internal party issues, but rather a pure expression of will to push for a special prosecution against the Democratic Party."

Meanwhile, figures from the conservative opposition continue to visit Leader Jang's hunger strike site.

Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, who is on the seventh day of a hunger strike urging the acceptance of the dual special prosecution law concerning the Unification Church and nomination bribery, is seen deep in thought at the Rotunda Hall hunger strike site in the National Assembly main building on the 21st. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On this day, Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform Party, cut short his overseas trip and visited the hunger strike site immediately upon his return to Korea, stating, "We will work together to devise joint action plans." Lee said, "There is no one among the public who doubts Leader Jang's resolve," and added, "You must take care of your health and then continue the fight." In response, Leader Jang said, "This is all the opposition can do, yet the ruling party shows no reaction at all. I am grateful that we have come this far by joining forces with the Reform Party." Later, Lee told reporters, "Given the Democratic Party's attitude, we may have to consider methods even stronger than a hunger strike."

On the same day, Leader Jang posted a handwritten note on Facebook, writing, "Day 7 of the hunger strike-public sentiment is the will of heaven. It is sincerity, not a special prosecution, that moves the people." Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo and National Integration Committee Chairman Lee Seokyeon also visited the hunger strike site, but it was reported that Leader Jang was unable to hold a long conversation due to his deteriorating health. The People Power Party called on the government to show concern and communicate regarding the hunger strike of the leader of the largest opposition party, but Hong Ikpyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, visited the National Assembly that day without stopping by the hunger strike site. The People Power Party criticized this, saying, "This is a snapshot of democracy where dialogue and compromise are missing." Meanwhile, attention remains on whether former leader Han Donghun, who has been at odds with Leader Jang, will visit the hunger strike site, but as of now, he reportedly has no plans to do so.