People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok said on Feb. 5 that, regarding continued internal strife in the party over his political future following the expulsion of former leader Han Dong-hoon, "If by tomorrow anyone is willing to stake their political life to demand that I seek a vote of confidence or resign, I will immediately hold a vote of all party members."
That afternoon at the National Assembly, Jang held a press briefing and stated accordingly, "If, according to the will of party members, they tell me to step down or I fail to win a vote of confidence, I will step down as party leader and also give up my seat in the National Assembly."
Jang said, "The issue of the party member bulletin board was judged by the Party Affairs Audit Committee and the Ethics Committee in accordance with the party constitution and rules, and it was finalized after a vote by the Supreme Council," adding, "Already a criminal complaint has been filed and the matter has moved to the investigative stage, so it is not reasonable to demand my resignation or a vote of confidence by holding the party leader personally politically responsible for the Ethics Committee's and Supreme Council's decisions."
He added, "However, if there are lawmakers or local government heads who demand my resignation or a vote of confidence, they, too, should bear corresponding political responsibility," and said, "That is the way to serve the party, and regardless of whether one calls oneself a junior faction, reform faction, or innovation faction, taking responsibility is what befits a politician."
Jang said, "Our party must not repeat the past pattern of its leadership failing to complete its term and being shaken by internal demands," adding, "Politics is not a place for excuses or finger-pointing but a place to take responsibility for what one says."