The Democratic Party of Korea criticized People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyeok, calling him a "master of holding out" as he marked the longest tenure since the conservative party's launch.

In a commentary today (October 25), Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-joon sarcastically remarked, "It is the result of holding onto his post to the end despite a crushing defeat in local elections and pouring demands for his resignation," adding, "It is something that neither Lee Jun-seok, Kim Gi-hyeon, nor Han Dong-hoon could achieve."

Regarding the praise by PPP Chief of Staff Park Jun-tae, who described Jang as "a new model of struggle freely moving between the National Assembly, the field, and public plazas," Spokesperson Park quipped, "He left the National Assembly empty, held drumsticks in the plazas, and hurled insults at the president, the media, and lawmakers of his own party over drinks, so he literally moved around freely."

Pointing to a recently controversial private recording of Jang, Park said, "Jang Dong-hyeok, who rallied around claims of fraudulent elections and even launched a special counsel investigation against the National Election Commission, said in the recording, 'I don't really like fraud [claims].'" Park added, "Holding out for 14 months while making supporters stand in the plazas with a slogan he himself does not believe in—such political skill is indeed rare."

He continued, "He ultimately refused demands to sever ties with Yoon Suk Yeol, and in the recording, he referred to Yoon as 'our president' and expressed regret, saying, 'If only we had blocked the impeachment...'" Park added, "At least his loyalty remains consistent."

Spokesperson Park stated, "There is talk inside and outside the party that Jang is aiming for another term to maintain control over candidate nominations," warning, "Representative Jang should know his place before dreaming of serving another term."

He added, "The longer his record in office extends, the greater the public's anger toward the main opposition party will grow."

As of this day, Jang reached 425 days in office, becoming the longest-serving party leader since the PPP was launched in 2020.

(Photo: Yonhap News)