People Power Party Mired in Quagmire as 25 Leaders Call for Chief's Ouster

South Korea’s largest opposition party faces a deepening internal crisis as two dozen senior and former local officials unite in demanding the removal of party leader Jang Dong-heok. The coordinated push, documented on February 21, represents an unprecedented show of dissent within the party ranks and signals growing frustration over the organization’s strategic direction and leadership choices.

The February 21 Resignation Ultimatum

In a carefully orchestrated move, 25 current and former regional branch leaders released a joint statement on February 21 pressuring Jang to vacate his position. The collective action underscores the severity of the party’s internal fracturing. These officials argue that Jang’s continued leadership has trapped the People Power Party in a political quagmire, forcing members to grapple with decisions that contradict broader public sentiment. Their statement outlined a stark message: unless Jang chooses to resign voluntarily, the party risks further deterioration in its standing and electoral viability.

Yoon Seok-youl Connection Divides Party Ranks

At the core of the leadership dispute lies Jang’s perceived alignment with former President Yoon Seok-youl. Dissidents argue that Jang has failed to create sufficient political distance from Yoon at a time when public opinion has shifted significantly. This positioning has become a liability, according to the rebel faction, particularly in light of recent legal developments involving Yoon. The opposition leaders contend that maintaining such close ties constrains the party’s ability to reshape its image and appeal to voters seeking a break from the previous administration’s policies and controversies.

Electoral Pressure and Political Stalemate

The resignation demand emerges against the backdrop of upcoming local elections, where the People Power Party faces mounting pressure to demonstrate renewed leadership and independent direction. Party officials backing the call for Jang’s ouster believe that a leadership transition could galvanize internal cohesion and resonate more favorably with electorates concerned about the party’s entanglement in the broader political quagmire surrounding Yoon Seok-youl’s legal challenges. The internal conflict thus reflects not merely a personality clash but a strategic calculation about electoral survival and party renewal.