People Power Party Moves Forward Despite Ongoing Turmoil Over Han Donghoon's Expulsion

Second-term Seoul Lawmaker Cho Jeonghun Appointed as Talent Recruitment Committee Chair

The People Power Party is accelerating its transition to an election mode ahead of the 9th nationwide local elections scheduled for June 3, by appointing a new head of the talent recruitment committee. Despite ongoing internal strife following the expulsion of former leader Han Donghoon, the party has decided to move forward.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on February 2, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On February 2, the People Power Party held a Supreme Council meeting and appointed Assemblyman Cho Jeonghun (serving his second term, representing Mapo-gap in Seoul) as the head of the talent recruitment committee. The position symbolizes the party's commitment to 'expansion and outreach.' The decision to put Assemblyman Cho, an economic expert with experience at the World Bank and a two-term lawmaker from the Seoul metropolitan area, at the forefront reflects the will of party leader Jang Donghyuk.

The People Power Party is expected to continue working on revising the party name, as well as amending the party constitution and regulations before the Lunar New Year holidays. Chief spokesperson Park Sunghoon told reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, "Leader Jang is deliberating among several candidates for the head of the nomination management committee," adding, "We aim to make an announcement within this week."

However, pro-Han factions, reformist members, and Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon have all demanded Jang's resignation over the expulsion of former leader Han, raising the likelihood of related debates erupting at the party caucus scheduled for the afternoon. Kim Minsu, a Supreme Council member aligned with the party leadership, said during the meeting, "If you are trying to oust a leader chosen by the party members, I want to ask what you are willing to risk in return."

Reactions to the appointment of Assemblyman Cho have also been mixed. After the 22nd general election, Cho served as the head of the special committee for the general election white paper and was at odds with former leader Han. Following the 12·3 Martial Law, he also expressed opposition to impeachment. Another party official commented, "To win the election, we need to appeal to centrist voters, but there are doubts as to whether Assemblyman Cho has truly acted as a centrist."

Meanwhile, former leader Han's camp, after holding a large-scale rally over the weekend, plans to host a talk concert at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium on February 8.