People Power Party leader Jang Dong‑hyuk defends outside protests amid party criticism

People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong‑hyuk continued to appear at the ongoing protest at Seoul’s Olympic Park handball stadium, staged over the June 3 ballot‑paper shortage that followed local elections. He told KBS that the gatherings were “citizen‑driven” and rejected accusations that they were meant to rally his supporters, saying he does not agree with the view that the outside‑politics tactic is for his own base.

PPP members have publicly rebuked Jang’s repeated attendance. Some lawmakers, citing a Telegram chat, asked “how long must we watch this,” while the party’s secretary‑general Park Jun‑ta called the stance “unacceptable” and urged critics to name‑check their opponents. Jang also announced plans to join similar rallies in Yongin, Gimhae and Daegu, and reiterated his demand for a special prosecutor to investigate the election commission, despite internal dissent.

The dispute highlights a split within the ruling opposition over the use of street activism as a political tool ahead of upcoming elections.