People Power Party Holds First Workshop under Jang Donghyuk’s Leadership... Discusses Strategy Against Ruling Party and Key Appointments

Focus on Strengthening Internal Unity
Attention on Decision to Extend Boycott

The People Power Party is set to review its strategy for the upcoming regular session of the National Assembly and determine its approach and intensity in confronting the ruling party, during its first workshop under the new leadership of Jang Donghyuk.

On August 28, the People Power Party will hold a two-day, one-night workshop at the Aviation Training Center of Incheon International Airport Corporation. The first day will feature group discussions by standing committees, special lectures by figures such as Park Myungho, a professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Dongguk University, and idea presentations aimed at resolving livelihood issues and innovating the party. On the second day, the results of the group discussions and a resolution will be announced. This workshop is largely aimed at consolidating the party’s internal unity ahead of the regular National Assembly session in September. Having been reduced to a minority opposition party, the People Power Party is experiencing a decline in approval ratings and internal strife, which has led to a weakened capacity for political struggle.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on August 28, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In particular, at the plenary session held the previous day, the proposal to appoint a National Human Rights Commission member recommended by the People Power Party was rejected due to opposition from the Democratic Party. In protest, the People Power Party has boycotted all National Assembly schedules, including standing committee meetings, since the previous day. During the workshop, the party will decide whether to extend the boycott. Song Eonseok, the party's floor leader, stated at the Supreme Council meeting that morning, "Without an apology and reflection from the Speaker of the National Assembly and the ruling party’s floor leadership, it will be difficult for the People Power Party to cooperate with major agendas in the upcoming regular session."

During the workshop, Jang Donghyuk is also expected to gather opinions on appointments, including the nomination of a Supreme Council member and the Secretary General. Park Sunghoon, the party’s chief spokesperson, told reporters, "We plan to finalize the appointments within this week, reflecting various opinions as much as possible." Resolving internal divisions that have emerged through periods of martial law and impeachment is another urgent issue.

Whether a meeting between President Lee Jaemyung and Jang Donghyuk will take place is also drawing attention. Upon returning to Korea on August 28, President Lee immediately instructed Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs Woo Sangho to arrange a meeting with Jang Donghyuk. While some in political circles have referred to this as a "summit meeting," Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, clarified, "The term 'summit meeting' was used in the past during an era of authoritative political culture. Now, we refer to it as a 'meeting between the president and the (ruling and opposition) party leadership,'" thereby defining the nature of the meeting.

Previously, Jang Donghyuk stated, "A simple meeting is meaningless," but there is speculation that once the agenda is specified, the meeting will take place. This is seen as an opportunity for him to assert his presence as the leader of the opposition. A People Power Party official commented, "It is difficult for the leadership, which has just been formed, to take the initiative in setting the agenda. For now, they are likely to buy some time and carefully consider the issues to be discussed."

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