Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), publicly asked former Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairperson Lee Jin-suk, who was cut off from the party's primary for the Daegu mayoral race, to run in the upcoming by-elections.
Appearing on the Maeil Shinmun YouTube channel on Monday, Jang said, "Former Chairperson Lee is an exceptionally capable person and a major political asset for our party." He added, "If she comes to the National Assembly and fights, she will be a tremendous source of strength for the party."
Regarding Lee's emphasis on her high approval ratings in various polls, Jang explained, "That is exactly why I am proposing a new alternative where she can play a different role for the party."
"Once the local elections and by-elections are over, the parliamentary audit will begin soon. This audit will be fiercer than ever," Jang said. "Former Chairperson Lee could play a significant role as Daegu mayor, but right now, she is more needed in the National Assembly."
Jang also revealed that he had encouraged former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min to run in the Gyeonggi Province governor primary. He added that he had attempted to recruit a semiconductor industry expert but failed.
"The Democratic Party of Korea is likely to nominate Choo Mi-ae, a legal professional," Jang said. "I thought that if we brought in a businessperson to compete against Supreme Council member Yang Hyang-ja, a semiconductor expert, we could steer the election narrative toward semiconductors. I contacted businesspeople, but I was unable to bring anyone on board."
On the party's falling approval ratings, Jang said, "Because of the Middle East war, more than 90% of the news is dominated by war coverage, and the opposition party is disappearing from the news." He added, "Internal party conflicts that have continued since the hunger strike have disappointed party members, and the conservative base splitting into multiple factions and fighting among themselves is also one of the biggest factors."
"Many people ask what on earth Jang Dong-hyuk is thinking. I am thinking about winning the local elections," he said. "Even if there are misunderstandings and disappointments, please direct the criticism and frustration at me, but please do not let go of your support for the People Power Party until the end."