"With Yun Again" vs "Criminals in Constitutional History"... Opposition Intensifies Competition for Clear Stances

Kim Moonsoo and Jang Donghyuk Move Closer to Yun
Atmosphere Favors Hardliners in Response to Jung Cheongrae

Less than a day after the main race for the People Power Party leadership was set as a 2-to-2 contest between pro-impeachment and anti-impeachment factions, both sides have ignited a competition to clarify their stances.

The anti-impeachment camp is emphasizing a "united front for struggle against the ruling party," reinforcing a hardline approach. On August 8, lawmaker Jang Donghyuk stated on SBS Radio, "The core of the Yun Again movement is to firmly defend the liberal democratic system," adding, "There is no reason not to join in that cause. I fully accept it." When asked whether he would accept former President Yun if he rejoined the party, Jang replied, "If he applies for membership at a moment beneficial to the party, there is no reason not to accept his application."

Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo also showed a flexible attitude toward former President Yun and the 12·3 Martial Law, saying the previous day, "No one was killed or injured because of martial law, was there?" This is interpreted as a strategy to maximize a strong conservative image in order to rally the core support base.

On the other hand, the pro-impeachment camp has sharply criticized the hardline remarks of the anti-impeachment candidates. This is seen as a strategy to attract the support of those who want party reform amid a crisis where party approval ratings have hit historic lows. On the same day, lawmaker Cho Kyungtae strongly criticized former President Yun, who refused to comply with an arrest warrant, saying on MBC Radio, "He is utterly despicable. Absolutely filthy and vile." Aiming at former Minister Kim and lawmaker Jang, Cho said, "Joining hands with the Yun Again faction is an act of betrayal."

Lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo also directly attacked on social media, saying, "The Martial Law Trio Jeon Hangil, Kim Moonsoo, and Jang Donghyuk are criminals in the constitutional history of the Republic of Korea." Ahn added, "They are giving justification to the Democratic Party, which is trying to brand the People Power Party as a 'party of insurrection.' I cannot help but question whether they are on the same side as Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party."

However, there are also observations that the ultra-hardline stance of Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae is further consolidating the anti-impeachment camp. A senior People Power Party lawmaker said, "It seems party sentiment is leaning toward hardliners like former Minister Kim and lawmaker Jang," but added, "Even if we are strong when necessary, to defeat the ruling party, we need wise and experienced strategies."

Meanwhile, the People Power Party will hold joint campaign rallies starting in Daegu and North Gyeongsang on this day, followed by Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang on August 12, Chungcheong and Honam on August 13, and the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, and Jeju on August 14. The party leader candidate TV debates will be held on August 10, 17, and 19, with the national convention scheduled for August 22.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.