Rep. Kim Yong-tae of the People Power Party said on the 10th that Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyeok was likely "privately grateful to fellow lawmakers" for adopting a resolution distancing the party from former President Yoon Suk-yeol, allowing him to "naturally come within the bounds of common sense and constitutional limits."
Appearing on SBS's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show," Kim said, "The more the far-right supporters chanting 'Yoon Again' rallied behind Chairman Jang, the more he himself must have recognized that he was becoming disconnected from the public."
Regarding Jang's silence throughout the general assembly meeting where the resolution was adopted the previous day, Kim said, "He probably refrained from commenting given his relationships with those who had supported him, but I believe he shared our intentions."
"This cannot end with just drafting a resolution. Starting today, how we change our behavior will be extremely important," Kim said. "The public may think we'll just change again after the election ends. That's why it's crucial to codify this in our party platform and core beliefs."
Kim assessed that the resolution established a foundation for upcoming elections. "Frankly, few lawmakers believe this resolution will immediately appeal to moderates or moderate conservatives in the local elections," he said. "However, the resolution contains the minimum precondition for showing that our party is genuinely moving closer to the people as we prepare for local elections and eventually the general election."
He also emphasized that disciplinary measures should follow for party members associated with the "Yoon Again" movement. "Although the party's Ethics Committee is supposedly independent, its erroneous decisions have made the party a laughingstock," Kim said. "Someone must take responsibility for this."
He added, "If the party chairman finds it difficult to exercise his appointment authority, the Ethics Committee chairman should step down himself. That would be a way to serve both the party and the nation."
On the potential return of former Chairman Han Dong-hoon to the party, Kim said, "Given the current situation, it may be difficult for Chairman Jang to make an immediate decision on his reinstatement. But I believe doing so would earn him greater recognition as a leader among many in the party."
