Jang draws line on Han Dong-hoon's return to PPP amid ongoing investigation

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok on Friday again drew a line against allowing independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon to rejoin the party.

Appearing on the YouTube channel of Newdaily TV, Jang said it would be inappropriate to even raise the question of Han's return before the investigation into the party-board controversy is resolved. "Until the party-board issue under investigation is settled, it is not appropriate to even mention the matter of rejoining the party," he said.

The party-board case centers on allegations that posts defaming former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife were uploaded to the People Power Party's official member message board under the names of Han — then the party leader — and his family members.

"This is not a simple party-board problem," Jang said. "It is tied to the fate of the conservative party — to every phase in which the conservative party has been torn apart, in which the previous administration lost its governing momentum, and which ultimately led us to this tragic situation."

He added that Han's conduct had not changed much since becoming a lawmaker. "I think his behavior hasn't changed greatly even now that he is a lawmaker," Jang said.

On internal criticism of his own leadership, Jang said the concerns ultimately come down to electoral prospects. "The question is whether we can win the general election in 2028 and the by-election in April next year. All criticism of the party leader ultimately converges on elections," he said, adding that he was not paying attention to such internal criticism or disputes.

He went on to say he was focused on delivering results on livelihood issues. "I am working to move the party toward being a policy-driven party that produces results on people's livelihoods, gives people a sense of political efficacy, and earns a reputation for competence," Jang said.