'First National Assembly Visit Since Impeachment' Park Geunhye Urges "Stop the Hunger Strike"... Jang Donghyuk Says "Ending It for a Longer Fight"

Jang Ends Hunger Strike and Is Hospitalized After Park's Visit
Jang: "The True Hunger Strike Begins Today"

Former President Park Geunhye visited Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, on the 22nd and urged him to end his hunger strike. Jang, who had been on an eight-day hunger strike, announced, "I will end my hunger strike today for a longer and greater struggle," and was subsequently transported to the hospital.

Earlier that morning, Park visited the National Assembly Rotunda and spoke with Jang for about three minutes as he continued his hunger strike for the eighth day. She told Jang, "I was very concerned to hear that you have been fasting with only water and salt," and added, "For the sake of the future, I hope you will now stop the hunger strike and focus on regaining your health."

Former President Park Geunhye is visiting Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, who has been on an 8-day hunger strike demanding a 'double special prosecution' regarding the Unification Church and nomination bribery, at the National Assembly Rotunda on the 22nd. 2026.01.22 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

She continued, "Some may criticize that this hunger strike is in vain, since the government and the ruling party have not accepted your demand for a special prosecution regarding the Unification Church and nomination bribery. However, that is absolutely not the case. The people will recognize your sincerity as a politician who risked your life fighting for what you believe is right."

Park also criticized the government and the ruling party, saying, "It is unacceptable, from an ethical standpoint in politics, that they have shown no response despite the leader's hunger strike."

Jang, who had previously rejected repeated requests from senior party members and medical staff to end his hunger strike, decided to be transported to the hospital immediately after Park's visit.

At the National Assembly Rotunda, Jang declared, "I am ending my hunger strike today for a longer and greater struggle," and added, "From today, the public outcry against the corrupt Lee Jaemyung administration and the tyranny of the Democratic Party of Korea will spread like wildfire. The true hunger strike begins now."