PPP Lawmakers Push for Fresh Image Before Dec. 3

Re-elected lawmakers from the People Power Party met with party leader Jang Dong-hyeok on the 20th, expressing their view that, in anticipat...

Re-elected lawmakers from the People Power Party met with party leader Jang Dong-hyeok on the 20th, expressing their view that, in anticipation of the first anniversary of the Dec. 3 emergency martial law, the party needs to show self-examination and adopt a fresh image to increase its appeal. Starting from the day before, Jang has been expanding his discussions with senior lawmakers who have served four or more terms as well as those with three terms, encouraging, “Let us come together and overcome this crisis.”

Members of the study group "Alternatives and Responsibility," which includes re-elected legislators—Kwon Young-jin, Eom Tae-young, Lee Seong-gwon, and Cho Eun-hee—gathered with Jang for about 44 minutes at the party leader's office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 20th. They reportedly emphasized the importance of the party clarifying its position on the first anniversary of the Dec. 3 emergency martial law. The meeting was suggested by the lawmakers the day before and was held officially on this day.

They reportedly said to Jang, "In order to achieve success in the upcoming local elections, we must present a fresh image that broadens our influence. It would be significant if a message and a new image were introduced on December 3, marking the 100th day of your leadership."

Following the meeting, Kwon Young-jin said to reporters, "The first anniversary of the Dec. 3 martial law is coming up, and interestingly, that day also signifies the 100th day of your leadership. We recommended taking a moment to consider past errors committed by the ruling party, offering an apology to the public, and establishing a base for becoming a party that citizens can trust more."

Jang reportedly mentioned during the meeting, "I am seriously thinking about broadening our influence, including to moderates." Kwon stated, "Jang said he would think over our suggestions and respond at the right time. He also promised to do his utmost to make our party one that gains more trust and achieves success in the upcoming local elections, which are six months away."

Eom Tae-young said, "Jang strongly agreed on the importance of engaging the public with a mindset of change and creativity. It would be beneficial if the party's leadership conveys a message of reflection, apology, and renewed determination on December 3."

Meanwhile, Jang has been engaging with senior legislators since the day before, appealing, "Let us come together and tackle the crisis as one."

On this day, Jang had lunch with approximately 10 legislators, all serving their third terms, at a restaurant in Yeouido. He urged them to stand together in response to the Democratic Party of Korea's labeling of the People Power Party as an 'insurrection party.' The meeting, which lasted roughly an hour, included around 10 lawmakers, such as floor leader Song Eon-seog, Kim Jung-jae, Kim Seok-ki, Kim Hee-jung, Song Seok-jun, Lee Man-hee, Lee Chul-gyu, Im I-ja, Jeong Jeom-sig, and Choo Kyung-ho.

Jang reportedly outlined his future plans, saying, “A fierce struggle is anticipated until Dec. 3, marking the first anniversary of the emergency martial law. From the weekend onward, I will travel across the country to highlight the crimes committed by the Lee Jae-myung administration.” Those present reportedly shared views like, “Let us fight effectively during these challenging times” and “Let us come together and back the party's leadership.”