People Power Party (PPP) Leader Jang Dong-hyuk responded today (July 10) to backlash from the anti-Jang faction regarding his plan to discipline members for "harmful acts," stating, "Those who are guilty are the ones coming out and asking, 'Why are you trying to discipline me?'"
Appearing on the NewDaily YouTube channel "Baechoo Dosa's Dawn Delivery" today, Jang was asked about the possibility of the party's ethics committee disciplining members such as Rep. Cho Kyeong-tae. He replied, "I have never specifically mentioned who needs to be disciplined."
Regarding the view that he was targeting independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon by mentioning a "permanent ban on reinstatement for those who commit harmful acts," Jang reiterated, "I said strict measures are needed for harmful acts; I never said I would discipline any specific person." He added, "However, let me clarify one thing. I am stating that Rep. Han was expelled due to criminal acts, not for harmful acts."
He further added, "The party bulletin board issue is a criminal matter," and said, "I hope Rep. Han will reflect on why he was expelled before he criticizes."
Addressing internal criticism that some local council members colluded with the Democratic Party of Korea during the election of chairpersons following the launch of local councils, Jang said, "Can you call someone who helps the enemy in a war 'our side'?" He added, "I do not believe you can win a war with a disorganized mob of soldiers."
He raised his voice, saying, "People tell me not to engage in 'subtraction politics,' but someone who shoots at our own side is the biggest minus. There is no greater minus than that. How can you collude with the Democratic Party just because you want to be a standing committee chair and ask them to 'give me one committee chair position'?"
Jang also made it clear once again that he has no intention of stepping down from his position as party leader.
When asked, "You are being mentioned as a next-generation presidential candidate in polls. Are you considering a presidential run?" he replied, "I believe that the future direction of a politician and what they should do is ultimately decided by the party members and the people." He added, "If the call is to open an era of party member sovereignty and rebuild conservatism, I believe I must hold my position firmly and rebuild conservatism, even if some lawmakers demand my resignation."
He added, "If it is the people's mandate to restore the rule of law and constitutional order that were collapsed by the Lee Jae-myung administration, I thought I should follow it."
Furthermore, regarding the shortage of ballots, he reiterated his demand for a full re-election, stating, "The voting process, procedures, and the voters' decision-making itself have been contaminated. I think it is not a ballot box, but a 'trash bin' filled with unusable ballots."
(Photo: Yonhap News)