With less than a month left until the People Power Party's national convention on Aug. 22, lawmakers Jang Dong-hyuk and Joo Jin-woo have thrown down the challenge for party leadership. Representative Jang opposed the 'far-right frame' and advocated for personnel renewal, while Representative Joo emphasized the creation of a 'young and strong conservatism' centered on capability.
On the morning of the 23rd, Jang Dong-hyuk, a member of the People Power Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly Museum and stated, "I will unite the People Power Party and make it a winning party," adding that "innovation should begin from the cause of martial law, not from the 'sea of impeachment.'"
Representative Jang asserted, "The statement 'Let's cross the sea of impeachment' is in agreement with the frame of conservative annihilation created by the Democratic Party of Korea," and argued that "the People Power Party, which has failed to properly fight against the Democratic Party that commits legislative atrocities, also bears a portion of the remaining responsibility for provoking martial law."
He said, "Now, uniting the 107 members of the People Power Party into a single front is the beginning of innovation in order to properly fight against the Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung government, which are perpetrating legislative atrocities and destroying constitutional order," and added, "I will create a system where only those who fight properly receive nominations."
Before the official press conference, Joo Jin-woo announced his candidacy through Facebook. He plans to hold a press conference for his candidacy at the National Assembly communication center on the 24th at 11 a.m.
Joo noted, "We must find answers with courage and capability. It is not a choice but a mandate from the people and party members," adding, "We need to break the vicious cycle of pervasive conflict and lethargy within the party. I will reorganize the party's ranks and transform it into a young and strong conservatism."
He continued, "I will transform into a party that empowers the people. Together with the beloved party members, I will rise again," adding, "Even during the election period, I will not stop monitoring the ruling party and protecting our party."