Dong-hyuk Jang at 56 Elected New Leader of People Power Party: Those Who Don’t Fight Should Give Up Their Badges

A Short but Powerful Political Rise: Jang Dong-hyuk’s Revolutionary Election as Party Leader

In the People Power Party’s convention, a rookie lawmaker with just three years of experience defeated formidable rivals—what is his secret? On August 26, 2025, the political world was shaken by the sensational news of Representative Jang Dong-hyuk’s groundbreaking victory.

At 56, Jang Dong-hyuk, a two-term representative from Boryeong City and Seocheon County in South Chungcheong Province, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the new leader of the People Power Party only three years after entering the National Assembly. His triumph was no accident; it was the product of a unique background and a powerful message.

Here’s what makes Leader Jang’s success so astonishing:

1. Diverse Experience: With a rare career spanning administrative, judicial, and legislative roles, he brings broad perspectives and practical skills.

2. Firm Conservative Stance: His bold declaration, “If you don’t fight, take off your parliamentary badge,” captured the hearts of conservative supporters.

3. Anti-Impeachment Position: A clear stance opposing former President Yoon Seok-youl’s impeachment solidified his support within the party.

4. Determined Will to Fight: His resolute commitment to strong opposition against the Lee Jae-myung administration resonated deeply with party members.

Jang Dong-hyuk’s unprecedented election signals that the People Power Party is poised to pursue a tougher, more combative path. All eyes are on how his leadership will reshape the party and influence the political landscape ahead.

Jang Dong-hyuk’s Extraordinary Career: A Journey Across Administration, Judiciary, and Legislature

What drove Jang Dong-hyuk, a Seoul National University graduate in French Education who conquered both the administrative and judicial examinations, to jump into politics? His unique career path is a rare example in Korean politics, and this article explores his multifaceted political journey based on diverse experiences.

Starting in the Executive Branch

Jang Dong-hyuk’s public service career began in 1991 after passing the 35th Administrative Service Examination. Serving as an administrative officer at the Ministry of Education, he gained firsthand experience in formulating and implementing government policies. This phase undoubtedly provided him with a profound practical understanding of national governance.

Transition to the Judiciary

In 1999, Jang made a bold decision to resign from his stable public office to face new challenges. After passing the 43rd Judicial Examination in 2001 and completing the 33rd Judicial Research and Training Institute course, he embarked on a legal career. This experience instilled in him deep insights into legal reasoning and justice.

Entering the Legislature

After experiences in both administration and judiciary, Jang Dong-hyuk ultimately chose a path in politics. By winning a seat representing Boryeong City and Seocheon County in Chungnam Province as a member of the National Assembly, he stepped into the legislative branch. This accomplishment made him an exceptional figure who has traversed all three pillars of government: administration, judiciary, and legislature.

Fusion of Diverse Experiences

Jang’s varied background likely played a crucial role in enhancing his political capabilities. The practical expertise from the executive branch, the legal acumen from the judiciary, and the political experience in the legislature combined to shape his unique political philosophy and leadership style.

Jang Dong-hyuk’s extraordinary career offers key insights into why, despite his relatively brief political career, he entrusted the heavy responsibility of party leadership. It will be fascinating to observe how his multifaceted experience influences the People Power Party and Korean politics moving forward.

Jang Dong-hyuk’s Hardline Conservative Stance and Steadfast Leadership

The resolute statement by Representative Jang Dong-hyuk, "Those who do not fight should take off their parliamentary badges," vividly reveals his political philosophy. What deeper meaning lies behind this bold declaration?

Jang Dong-hyuk’s hardline approach is far from mere rhetoric. His political philosophy is composed of the following elements:

1. Firm Defense of Conservative Values: Jang clearly defines the identity of the conservative party and demonstrates a strong will to actively protect it.

2. Emphasis on a Strong Opposition Role: He prioritizes the essential role of the opposition in checking and balancing the ruling party.

3. Focus on Internal Unity: His warning against ‘internal attacks’ reflects a commitment to placing party cohesion above all else.

4. Determined Fighting Spirit: Advocating a vigorous response to the current government, he aims to rally the party for concerted action.

This approach has garnered significant support within conservative circles. At the same time, concerns are rising that it could deepen political polarization.

While Jang Dong-hyuk’s leadership style is undeniably controversial, one thing is clear: he reveals a steadfast leadership grounded in his political convictions. All eyes now turn to how his hardline course will reshape South Korea’s political landscape in the days ahead.

Jang Dong-hyuk’s Dramatic Victory: The Intrigue of Intra-Party Conflict and the Runoff Election

What was the real reason behind the last-minute rally of hardline party members that led to a razor-thin runoff victory by just 2,367 votes? The dramatic win of candidate Jang Dong-hyuk in the People Power Party’s 6th National Convention captured widespread attention.

Jang Dong-hyuk secured 220,302 votes, narrowly edging out Kim Moon-soo, who received 217,935 votes. This result carries significance far beyond mere numbers. Political experts interpret this victory as a “last-ditch unification of hardline party members.”

So why did these staunch party loyalists choose Jang Dong-hyuk?

1. Anti-impeachment Stance: Jang is a prominent figure opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, a position that greatly resonated with the party’s conservative base.

2. Strong, Unyielding Message: His powerful catchphrase, “Those who don’t fight should give up their badges,” struck a chord with members who crave a proactive opposition role.

3. Emphasis on Internal Unity: Warning against party fragmentation, Jang championed a united front, reflecting the members’ desire to consolidate the party’s strength.

4. Fresh Leadership: Despite only three years in the National Assembly, his administrative, judicial, and legislative experience sparked hope for new leadership.

This runoff was more than just a leadership election—it marked a crucial turning point that will shape the People Power Party’s future direction. Jang Dong-hyuk’s triumph signals the party’s shift toward a firmer, more combative stance, an outcome expected to profoundly influence South Korea’s political landscape.

In the end, this dramatic contest was both a product of internal party strife and a reflection of the party members’ yearning for change. All eyes are now on how the new course under Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk will transform the People Power Party and, ultimately, Korean politics.

Jang Dong-hyuk's Declaration Heralds a New Political Landscape for the People Power Party

The declaration by Jang Dong-hyuk, the newly appointed leader of the People Power Party, that he will "dedicate everything to ousting the Lee Jae-myung regime," signals a significant shift in South Korea's political landscape. This powerful message clearly outlines the future direction of the People Power Party.

Jang’s election goes beyond a mere personnel change, promising fundamental shifts in the party’s line and strategies. His "combative and hardline stance" foreshadows the following transformations:

1. Strengthened Opposition Against the Ruling Party: Expect a sharper confrontation with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.
2. Reinforced Internal Unity: Emphasizing a "unified front," efforts to reconcile internal disagreements and seek cohesion are anticipated.
3. Consolidation of Conservative Forces: Jang’s hardline conservative approach is likely to solidify support within the conservative camp.

These changes will profoundly impact South Korean politics overall. The rivalry between ruling and opposition parties may intensify, with political battles overshadowing policy discussions. Moreover, the unification of conservatives will heighten the significance of middle-ground voters.

Under Jang Dong-hyuk’s leadership, how the People Power Party evolves—and how the ruling party and the public respond—will be crucial to watch. A new chapter in South Korean politics is unfolding.