Seoul: Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, a staunch critic of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, has been elected as the new leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). Jang won the leadership race with 50.27 percent of the votes, narrowly defeating former presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, who garnered 49.73 percent in the runoff election held during the PPP's national convention.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Jang's victory by a margin of 2,367 votes marks a pivotal moment for the conservative party as it seeks to regroup following a significant loss in the presidential election earlier this year. The election defeat was triggered by Yoon's removal from office due to his failed attempt to impose martial law.
In his victory speech, Jang expressed his determination to lead the party forward, stating, "If it's the right path, I will advance forward without yielding." He also emphasized his commitment to rallying right-wing citizens to challenge the administration of Lee Jae Myung.
Jang, who first entered parliament in a 2022 by-election, is now tasked with steering the PPP through next year's local elections. His leadership comes at a time when the party faces internal divisions, following Yoon's unsuccessful martial law bid in December and the subsequent election defeat in June.
The PPP's national convention was closely watched as a decisive moment for the party to clarify its stance on the former president. Both Jang and Kim opposed Yoon's impeachment, advancing to the runoff vote, while their competitors, Reps. Cho Kyoung-tae and Ahn Cheol-soo, who supported the ouster, did not make it to the final round.
Throughout the leadership contest, Jang maintained a hard-line position, warning against internal "enemies" and calling for a resolution to party conflicts. In contrast, Kim had shown a willingness to collaborate with those in favor of Yoon's impeachment to garner broader support.
The PPP's current approval ratings trail behind the ruling Democratic Party (DP), with a Realmeter survey indicating 45.8 percent support for the DP compared to 35.5 percent for the PPP.