People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk on Tuesday declared that "the principle of presumption of innocence must apply to everyone without exception," effectively rejecting the first-instance court ruling that sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment.
Despite mounting demands from both inside and outside the party to sever ties with the former president, Jang's move to align more closely with the "Yoon Again" faction has intensified internal conflict. Concerns are growing that warning lights have been triggered for the local elections now approximately 100 days away, with some even raising the possibility of a "psychological party split."
At a press conference held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Jang described the first-instance verdict against Yoon as "regrettable and devastating."
He directly refuted the court's determination that effectively characterized the December 3 martial law declaration as "insurrection." Jang stated, "The PPP has consistently maintained that martial law does not automatically constitute insurrection," adding that the party has "consistently pointed out that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials' investigation into insurrection charges was unlawful."
He continued, "However, this first-instance ruling failed to provide sufficient grounds or explanation to overturn these arguments."
Jang added, "A verdict lacking conviction inevitably shows tremors of conscience. I believe the logical gaps found throughout the ruling are the last traces of conscience left by Judge Ji Gwi-yeon."
Jang's remarks are interpreted as a message signaling intent to contest the June 3 local elections by rallying hardline supporters including the "Yoon Again" faction. However, calls for his resignation have emerged from both inside and outside the party, with demands to "cut ties with Yoon" rapidly evolving into demands to "cut ties with Jang."
Particularly, Jang's comment that "those trying to split the party are rather the ones who should be cut off" has sparked backlash, as it is interpreted as targeting figures aligned with former party leader Han Dong-hoon and younger lawmakers within the party. Some suggest the party has reached a critical threshold of "psychological division."
Rep. Lee Sung-kwon, secretary of the junior lawmakers' group "Alternative and Future," said at a press conference, "Chairman Jang's words that 'they are rather the ones who should be decisively cut off' sound like he intends to cut ties with the public. There is no place for a party leader who fights against the people."
Former PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon wrote on social media, "Chairman Jang has made clear his line of 'We are Yoon Suk Yeol.' This is the day conservatism and the PPP die," adding, "Jang Dong-hyuk must be cut off for conservative reconstruction."
Criticism also came from outside the National Assembly. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "I cannot help but feel deep concern after reading the party leader's statement today. He should reflect on whether it appeared not as a severance but as another declaration of rallying."
Jang's standing within the party has already narrowed amid controversy over "purge politics" following successive heavy disciplinary actions against figures aligned with Han. With his remarks now targeting hardline supporters, observers note that the seeds of conflict are spreading and momentum for the local elections may weaken. A PPP district chapter head told The Seoul Economic Daily, "If we get swept up in hardliner logic and frame certain figures as 'traitors' or 'splitters,' we cannot attract centrist voters."
Clouds have also gathered over the possibility of alliance with the Reform Party. The Reform Party has consistently set "severance from Yoon Again" and "apology for martial law" as preconditions for cooperation. An official from the Reform Party leadership said, "Drawing a line from former President Yoon is the basic premise," adding, "The PPP has lost its political function."
Claims of "unconstitutional party dissolution" re-emerging from some quarters of the ruling bloc also pose a burden. Democratic Party of Korea leader Chung Chung-rae argued, "The PPP has made clear today through its choice that it is a subject for an unconstitutional party dissolution petition."
Meanwhile, PPP Rep. Bae Hyun-jin, who received heavy disciplinary action of "one-year suspension of party membership" for posting a child's photo without authorization on social media, filed for an injunction to suspend the disciplinary measure with the court on Tuesday. Following former Supreme Council member Kim Jong-hyuk, who was expelled from the party, Bae's injunction filing shows the "disciplinary civil war" surrounding figures aligned with Han is escalating into legal battles.