South Korean Opposition Faces Division Over Martial Law, Party Leader Vows New Image

Seoul, May 8 (CNA) - Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of South Korea's opposition People Power Party (PPP), met with foreign media today to discuss the upcoming local elections on June 3rd. He stated that the party's support is still affected by the martial law incident involving former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Jang emphasized the party's commitment to moving past past events and presenting a new image to the public.

The martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk-yeol in late 2024 and subsequent impeachment proceedings have led to ongoing legal issues for Yoon. Although Yoon left the PPP last year, the party continues to face internal divisions regarding the extent to which they should distance themselves from him.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club, Jang acknowledged, "Our party has inevitably experienced division and conflict during the emergency martial law and impeachment process." He noted that based on National Assembly seats, the impeachment could have been prevented. "It wasn't due to any external factors; ultimately, it was our internal division that led to the impeachment," he said.

Jang highlighted that he was one of the 18 PPP lawmakers who voted to lift the martial law. However, he believes impeachment was not the only solution to the martial law controversy, and that gradual resignation was discussed within the party. "But because of our internal division, we ourselves, the People Power Party, opened the door to impeachment," he stated.

Jang pointed out that the conflicts the party is currently experiencing, shortly after the impeachment, might be unavoidable. "To heal these conflicts to some extent, we must establish principles within the party and focus our efforts on confronting the current ruling Democratic Party. As we accumulate victory experiences, we can overcome the division," he said.

Jang also stressed, "When all of this is presented to the public, I believe it will be an opportunity for our conservative faction to regain the trust of the people."

Regarding the local elections on June 3rd, the nomination of some "pro-Yoon" candidates has sparked controversy. Jang commented, "Many people worked hard together during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. If we believe they should not be nominated based on such subjective and vague descriptions, we might find almost no one to nominate in these local elections."