Jang Responds to Kim Jin-tae's Criticism: "Doing My Best for the Local Elections... That Is My Responsibility"

"I Will Reflect on What Needs to Be Done for Election Victory"

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, commented on April 22 regarding Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae's request for him to resolve outstanding issues, saying, "I am doing my best to achieve the best possible outcome in the local elections," and added, "That is the responsibility entrusted to me right now."

After announcing regional campaign pledges in Yangyang, Gangwon Province on the same day, Jang spoke to reporters about Governor Kim's request, saying, "I'm not sure exactly what he was referring to," but still made the aforementioned remarks. Regarding Governor Kim's candid criticism, Jang said, "The party is facing various difficulties, so I believe his words come from a place of affection," and added, "I will reflect on what the party needs to do to win the election."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited the Susanri fishing village community center in Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang County, Gangwon Province on the 22nd to announce campaign pledges for the Gangwon region. Photo by Yonhap News.

Earlier, at the Susanri fishing village community center in Yangyang County—where Jang visited to announce regional campaign pledges—Governor Kim said, "After visiting local sites, I found that many people say, 'I used to support the party in red, but just thinking about the central party makes me so angry that I don't vote anymore.'" He further stated, "If those people do not show up at the polls, we have no hope," and added, "Around 300 of our party's candidates in Gangwon probably feel the same way."

Governor Kim also commented, "Even if I spend all day walking around until my feet are swollen, there are many moments when my heart sinks every time national news comes out," and added, "As a candidate whose fate will be determined in just 42 days, I am deeply anxious." He continued, "I have a long-standing relationship with Leader Jang, and we relied on each other a lot in the past on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, but sometimes the more you try to hold on, the further things get. Please return to the admirable Jang Donghyuk of old. It is time to resolve what was started."

Regarding the results of local opinion polls in Gangwon ahead of the June 3 local elections, Jang stated, "I will analyze the various causes," and added, "We are also continuously analyzing the data internally." He continued, "Based on the data, I will consider what efforts are needed going forward."

On the topic of establishing the party's central election committee, Jang said, "As far as I know, the Democratic Party has not formed its central election committee either." He added, "Once the candidates for the major local positions are confirmed, each candidate has formed their own election committee," and said, "The central party will monitor the nomination process and strive to establish the election committee as quickly as possible."

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