People Power Party Avoids the Worst: Will the Conservatives Shift from Coalition to Broadening Their Base?

All People Power Party lawmakers who were brought to trial over the National Assembly fast-track clash have been found guilty in the first trial, but since they will retain their seats, the party has been able to breathe a sigh of relief. Having passed the first major hurdle of judicial risk with this verdict, People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk is now refining his strategy to break through the current political situation, including efforts to broaden the party’s base.

Jeong Heeyong, Secretary-General of the People Power Party, commented on the first trial verdict at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on November 21, stating, “The court recognized that our unavoidable resistance occurred in the process of defending constitutional government against the legislative tyranny of the Democratic Party of Korea,” and argued, “This was an excessive prosecution and sentencing request.” In contrast, the Democratic Party of Korea asserted that “the decision to allow the lawmakers to keep their seats undermines judicial justice and renders the National Assembly Advancement Act meaningless,” adding that the prosecution must immediately appeal.

Song Eon-seok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party's policy meeting held at the National Assembly on November 21, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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With all six incumbent lawmakers having avoided losing their seats, the People Power Party is expected to intensify its offensive against the government and ruling party, while mounting a full-scale defense to help its own lawmakers overcome judicial risks. There is also interest in whether the party leadership will respond to growing internal and external calls for a ‘centrist expansion.’ Leader Jang is reportedly aware of these internal concerns. It is said that, in response to the re-elected lawmakers’ request for ‘broadening the party’s base’ the previous day, he replied, “I will consider it seriously and provide an answer.”

However, there are predictions that the People Power Party’s efforts to expand toward the center will not be easy. Even if Leader Jang severs ties with the ‘Yoon Again’ political faction, it remains uncertain whether he can win support from centrist voters. Shin Yul, professor of political science and diplomacy at Myongji University, said in a phone interview, “Leader Jang has already cemented a far-right image through actions such as visiting former President Yoon Sukyeol. No matter what message he sends, it will be difficult to achieve the effect of centrist expansion.”

Within the party, some say that resolving tensions between the new and old factions and securing broader appeal beyond the Daegu and North Gyeongsang regions is the real test for Leader Jang. A re-elected lawmaker from a non-capital region said in a phone interview, “We still need to wait for the leadership’s decision,” but added, “Since there is consensus that the leader is deeply considering these issues every day and that December 3 will be a key turning point, we have decided to be hopeful rather than worried.”

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