Jang Returns, Emphasizes "Expanding Korea-U.S. Alliance and Economic Cooperation"... Faces Local Election Challenges Amid 'Empty-Handed' Criticism

Jang Donghyuk Meets U.S. Congress, NSC, and State Department
"Discusses North Korea Denuclearization Strategy and Economic Cooperation"
Faces 'Empty-Handed' Criticism and Must Address Local Election Challenges
All Eyes on Daegu Nomination Process and Busan Buk-gu Gap Candidacy

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, returned to Korea after an 8-night, 10-day trip to the United States, assessing his visit as "an asset that will strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and expand economic cooperation." However, both inside and outside the party, there is ongoing criticism of the party leader for being absent ahead of the upcoming June 3 local elections, with some describing the visit as having produced "nothing tangible." The party is also facing several pressing issues related to the local elections, including the controversy over the Daegu mayoral nomination and requests to refrain from fielding a candidate in Busan Buk-gu Gap.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is giving opening remarks at the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th. Photo by Yonhap News

After returning from his U.S. trip early on the morning of the 20th, Jang attended the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly. He stated, "During my visit, I met with key figures who drive U.S. policy, including members of Congress, the White House National Security Council (NSC), the State Department, and leading think tanks." He added, "Many American officials expressed concerns about the ambiguous stance of the Lee Jaemyung administration on North Korea policy and the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

Jang explained, "I shared North Korea denuclearization strategies with senior NSC officials and discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation with senior State Department officials." He continued, "I also secured a commitment to resolve visa issues for South Korean companies operating in the United States through close consultations moving forward." Jang stressed, "The conservative party network I established with the U.S. Republican Party and the communication channel with the U.S. administration during this visit will become valuable assets in reinforcing the South Korea-U.S. alliance and expanding economic cooperation."

Jang plans to hold a press conference later in the day to provide further details on the outcomes of his trip. However, there are already voices within and outside the party labeling the visit as having yielded no results. Criticism is mounting against the party leader for leaving his post with only about 40 days left before the local elections. Yoo Youngha, a prospective candidate for mayor of Busan from the People Power Party, said on KBS, "He needs to explain in detail the background and results of the U.S. visit," adding, "If he glosses over the issue, the backlash will be much greater."

Jang also faces difficult decisions regarding the local elections, such as managing the Daegu mayoral nomination process and determining whether to field a candidate in Busan Buk-gu Gap. In Daegu, Yoo Youngha and Chu Kyungho have been named as prospective candidates. However, controversy continues as Ju Ho-young, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who was excluded from the nomination, and Lee Jinsook, former Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, remain intent on running. Both Yoo and Chu have stated that there will be "no unification of candidates," but there is concern that winning the election will be difficult in a three- or four-way race.

Furthermore, opinions are divided within the party regarding whether to field a candidate in the Busan Buk-gu Gap by-election, after former leader Han Donghoon officially declared his candidacy. Pro-Lee factions and non-mainstream lawmakers argue for Han's reinstatement and for refraining from fielding a candidate in Busan Buk-gu Gap. In contrast, the party leadership is distancing itself from these requests. Jang stated, "Nominating a candidate is the rightful role and responsibility of a major political party."

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