Jang Dong-hyuk, chairman of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), broke his silence on Tuesday, endorsing the party's resolution opposing former President Yoon Suk-yeol's political comeback.
"As party chairman, I respect the resolution that reflects the opinions of 107 lawmakers," Jang said after a welcoming ceremony for newly recruited regional development talent at the National Assembly. "I will do my best to win the local elections based on this resolution."
The statement came three days after the party's general assembly adopted the so-called "Jeol-yun" resolution, which calls for blocking Yoon's return to politics.
"The position we announced at the general assembly that day must be our final stance for winning the local elections," Jang said. "I believe further controversy will not help us win the election."
Regarding the background of the resolution, Jang explained that "the party leadership and floor leadership held multiple rounds of consultations before the statement was released, and the resolution was adopted after gathering opinions."
"What is clear is that the position announced in the name of all 107 lawmakers represents the PPP's official stance," he emphasized. "I will do my utmost to win the local elections while respecting this resolution."
Jang dismissed calls for further debate, saying, "What we need to show the public is not continued controversy. We must treat the resolution as our final position and focus on how to demonstrate change and deliver results for victory in the local elections."
He added that "there were other discussions not included in the resolution," noting that "as party chairman, I will consider how to lead the party, and if necessary, there will be opportunities to present my position."
"There should be no controversy over the content of the resolution or the process of the general assembly," Jang appealed. "I only ask that you support the sincerity shown by 107 lawmakers in this resolution."
He declined to answer questions about personnel reshuffles.