People Power Party interim leader Jang Dong-hyeok carefully avoided committing to a complete break from former President Yoon Suk Yeol during a January 16, 2026, press briefing, despite mounting pressure from moderate and reformist factions to distance the party from Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment.
The non-committal stance drew immediate criticism from within the party. Reform-minded lawmakers, including those aligned with former leader Han Dong-hoon, accused Jang of protecting Yoon’s inner circle and hindering efforts to rebuild public trust ahead of the 2026 local elections. Han himself had previously called for a clear disavowal of martial law supporters, labeling them a liability.
Pro-Yoon hardliners within the PPP welcomed Jang’s reluctance, viewing it as continued loyalty to the former president. They argue that fully cutting ties would alienate the conservative base and weaken the party against the ruling Democratic Party.
Jang’s sidestepping reflects the PPP’s ongoing struggle to reconcile its pro-Yoon conservative wing with moderates seeking a post-impeachment reset. Analysts say the ambiguity risks prolonging internal division and damaging the party’s image as it attempts to recover from electoral setbacks and public backlash over the martial law episode.
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