'Apology After 135 Days'—Jang Dong-hyuk Sets Party Reform in Motion, Eyes Anti-Lee Jae-myung Coalition

[Financial News] Jang Dong-hyuk, who had previously blamed the 'parliamentary tyranny' for the December 3 Martial Law and taken a far-right stance, has shifted direction. Stating, 'Martial law was an inappropriate and wrong means,' he used the word 'apology' for the first time in his 135 days as party leader. By even pledging to change the party’s name, he is seen as launching a full-scale reform drive just five months ahead of the local elections. This move is interpreted as an attempt to foster a broad anti-Lee Jae-myung conservative coalition. However, as there was no direct mention of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, some inside and outside the party criticized him for not making a clear break from Yoon.
At a press conference held at the headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 7th, Jang Dong-hyuk stated, '(Through martial law) we caused great confusion and inconvenience to our people, and deeply hurt party members who have upheld the order of liberal democracy.' He added, 'I feel a heavy sense of responsibility and sincerely apologize to the people.'
Jang Dong-hyuk promised a 'winning change.' With party support still in the 20% range despite the upcoming local elections, he appears to have initiated a full-fledged reform roadmap. He said, 'We will deeply reflect on past mistakes and present a new image,' pledging to 'expand the party’s base and achieve fundamental change.' The core of this 'winning change' is expansion. The plan includes broadening opportunities for young people within the party and listening to advice from experts.
Such efforts to broaden the party’s base ultimately appear aimed at forming alliances. Jang Dong-hyuk mentioned 'coalition' ten times. It is understood that, to win the election, he believes it is necessary to build a united conservative front, including the Reform Party. He stated, 'We will form a policy coalition with the opposition to jointly develop livelihood policies,' and added, 'If you agree with the values of liberal democracy and the goal of stopping the Lee Jae-myung administration’s dictatorship, I am open to working with anyone.'
Jang Dong-hyuk’s promise to revise the party name is also seen as an attempt to expand the party’s reach. He appeared to accept demands from reformist lawmakers to change the party name, saying, 'We will redefine the party’s values and direction, and seek the opinion of all party members to promote a party name revision.' He also pledged, 'If a certain number of party members request it, we will hold a party-wide vote after a Supreme Council decision on major party issues,' aiming to build a 'member-centered party.'
Jang Dong-hyuk’s apology for martial law and his reform proposals have drawn mixed reactions within the party. Those who had hoped for a forward-looking message from him welcomed the move, while others, who felt he failed to make a clear break from former President Yoon Suk Yeol and the so-called 'Yoon Again' faction, voiced criticism.
Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan City, stated via Social Networking Service (SNS), 'I strongly welcome the leader’s declaration to decisively break from the wrongs of the past and begin changes that meet public expectations.' He added, 'I hope the changes the public has awaited will not remain mere declarations, but will be practically reflected and implemented in the party’s management and overall politics going forward.'
Meanwhile, some argue that, since this is just the beginning of Jang Dong-hyuk’s change—having previously refused to apologize for martial law—it remains to be seen how things will unfold. A senior People Power Party lawmaker commented by phone, 'Although the apology comes late, it is fortunate and the right thing to do,' adding, 'Rather than expecting a dramatic change all at once, I hope shortcomings will be addressed as we watch the process.'
Alternative and Future, a study group of lawmakers who apologized for the December 3 Martial Law, released a statement saying, 'The People Power Party now needs innovation at the level of reconstruction, but today’s reform plan from Jang Dong-hyuk is only at the level of interior renovation.' They emphasized, 'The clear precondition for the genuine change and reform the people desire is a definite break from former President Yoon and the political forces that have defended martial law and propagated election fraud conspiracy theories.' The group also urged, 'Please present concrete plans to achieve unity and harmony within the party, as well as alliances with reasonable conservative forces outside the party.'

haeram@fnnews.com Lee Haeram Reporter