Jang Donghyuk Tells Oh’s "Crisis Theory" Is Not an Accurate Diagnosis... Says He Must Present a Vision and Future for Seoul

On revisiting disciplinary action against Bae Hyunjin: "It will not happen"

On the 24th, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, commented on Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon’s claim that it would be difficult to win the June 3 local elections without completely cutting ties with Yoon Sukyeol, saying, "It is hard to understand whether he is correctly diagnosing the root cause of the problem," and adding, "This is a time when we need to focus on preparing a vision for how to change the Seoul Metropolitan Government."

Appearing on Channel A’s “Radio Show Political Signal” program that morning, Jang said, "The Democratic Party of Korea is saying it will win everywhere except Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, yet Mayor Oh is effectively echoing the Democratic Party by saying that we will lose everywhere except Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. How can we possibly win an election while making such remarks?"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is making a statement at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on Feb. 20, 2026 regarding the first-instance verdict for former President Yoon Sukyeol. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Earlier, Mayor Oh appeared on a broadcast the previous day and said, "Most experts believe that if there is no shift in our political line, the results may be similar to the 2018 local elections," adding, "I also think the situation is dangerous."

Regarding this, Jang said, "I do not think expressing a sense of crisis is bad in itself," but questioned, "He has long been in politics after receiving the party’s nomination and is now making his fifth bid for Seoul mayor. I wonder whether there is any need for him to deliver such a despairing message to party members."

On the calls to cut ties with Yoon, Jang went on to say, "Remaining stuck in the past is a frame dug by the Democratic Party of Korea," adding, "The people want answers on what solutions we have for their livelihood hardships. Providing those answers is what gives them a sense of political efficacy."

Jang continued, "In the case of Seoul, if you look at the opinion polls in terms of the theory of keeping the ruling party in check and the approval ratings of incumbent metropolitan mayors and governors, we need to reflect on in what respects we have fallen short for such results to appear," adding, "For now, Mayor Oh is the most competitive candidate, but this is a time when he needs to focus on presenting a vision and blueprint for how to change the Seoul Metropolitan Government."

Jang also addressed the possibility that some incumbent lawmakers may run in areas such as Seoul and Busan, saying, "Given that incumbent mayors, governors, and lawmakers have a certain level of competitiveness, I view it positively if incumbents actively decide to run, whether in Seoul or Busan," and adding, "I hope that by introducing bold and innovative primary methods, the People Power Party will conduct its nominations in a way that allows people to truly feel that the party is trying to change and is determined to win."

On the discussion of disciplinary action against lawmaker Bae Hyunjin, he said, "The issue surrounding Assemblywoman Bae is about how the People Power Party views children’s rights," adding, "This matter will not be raised again, nor will it be discussed at the Supreme Council meeting."