BREAKING: The leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, the People Power Party (PPP), apologized today for former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration from December 2024. In a press conference held at party headquarters in Seoul, Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok distanced the party from Yoon as he faces trial on serious insurrection charges.
Jang’s apology comes less than five months before the crucial local elections set for June 1, 2025. He labeled the martial law, declared on December 3, 2024, as a “wrongful measure” that disrupted daily life and inflicted wounds on party members committed to upholding democratic values. “I gravely acknowledge that responsibility and offer my deepest apology to the people,” Jang stated, highlighting the party’s failure to act as a responsible governing body during a crisis.
The PPP leader emphasized the party’s “heavy responsibility” for the martial law declaration, which was swiftly overturned after just a few hours due to immediate backlash in the National Assembly. Jang was among 18 lawmakers who urgently convened to vote against the decree, showcasing a rapid response to public outcry.
In a bid to regain public trust and reform the party’s image, Jang introduced the “Change to Win” initiative. This plan seeks to engage youth and experts in policymaking, ensuring the party’s approach resonates with a broader demographic. Proposed measures include mandatory youth nominations for local elections and new platforms to recruit outside policy experts.
Jang also signaled a willingness to collaborate with other opposition parties, stating, “If they agree with the values of liberal democracy and share the will to stop the dictatorship of the Lee Jae Myung regime, we will open our hearts and join forces with anyone.” This statement reflects the ongoing struggle against the current administration, which has faced accusations from conservatives of overreach amid its legislative dominance.
Amid the backdrop of recent political turmoil, including Yoon’s impeachment and the martial law episode, Jang urges the PPP to move toward the future, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence. “We will cross the river of martial law and impeachment and move toward the future,” he declared, advocating for internal reforms such as stricter anti-corruption measures and centralized oversight of candidate nominations.
As South Korea braces for the upcoming elections, the PPP’s efforts to redefine its identity and appeal to voters will be critical. With the political landscape shifting rapidly, all eyes will be on how these reforms impact the party’s standing against the ruling Democratic Party led by President Lee Jae Myung.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
