"Jang Donghyuk, Who Said He Would Visit Yoon, Unlikely to Go During His Term as Leader," Says Yang Hyangja

Jang Donghyuk Said, "I Will Visit" Before Party Leadership Election
After Becoming Leader, "Will Consider Appropriate Timing and Manner"
Yang Hyangja: "It Could Be Now or Even Ten Years Later"

There has been a claim that Jang Donghyuk, Leader of the People Power Party, will not visit former President Yoon Sukyeol during his term. Hyangja Yang, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, said in an interview on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyunjung's News Show" on September 9, "Jang's exact wording was that he would consider an appropriate time, not that he would definitely go," in response to a question asking whether Jang's plan to visit former President Yoon demonstrates an inability to sever ties with him.

Hyangja Yang, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party

Yang added, "We do not know whether this will happen immediately, in a year, or in ten years, but Jang was elected with the support of hardline supporters, so he cannot ignore them. These supporters are still angry about what they see as human rights violations against former President Yoon, so the message was carefully crafted." She continued, "At least during the period he represents the party, I do not think he will go."

When asked by the host whether she would go if Jang invited her to visit former President Yoon together, Yang replied, "I do not think it would be appropriate. It is not suitable for someone in the party leadership to visit a person who is in prison and undergoing legal judgment."

Yang is considered a reformist, having expressed support for the impeachment of former President Yoon and called for reflection within the party. When asked about Jang's actions since the party convention, she said, "Jang is also an innovator." She added, "Since it is right after the election, it is difficult for him to change completely, but he has changed a lot, as we can see from his continued centrist remarks." She also said, "He needs to give a sense of efficacy to the hardline supporters who backed him. He is taking a very pragmatic attitude and delivering practical messages."

Jang Donghyuk, Leader of the People Power Party. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Previously, ahead of the People Power Party leadership election, Jang appeared on a joint broadcast with conservative YouTubers and said, "If I become party leader, I will visit former President Yoon." On September 3, he stated, "I have been telling party members that I will keep the promises I made during the party convention," and added, "I will consider how to arrange a meeting with former President Yoon at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner."

However, some believe that Jang is postponing the meeting with former President Yoon. Kim Jin, former editorial writer for the JoongAng Ilbo, said during an interview on CBS Radio's "Park Jaehong's Hanpan Seungbu" on September 9, "Jang has already entered the presidential race strategy." He continued, "Jang says what his target audience wants to hear, depending on the situation. During the impeachment trial, he attended street rallies and declared that the martial law was part of God's plan. Now that he has become party leader, he will likely delay the meeting with former President Yoon for a long time. He may not go at all."