South Korean Opposition Leader Defends Former President Amidst Calls for Party Dissolution

Seoul – Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of South Korea’s People Power Party (PPP), has faced mounting criticism and calls for his resignation and even the dissolution of his party, after defending former President Yoon Suk Yeol following a life sentence related to a controversial declaration of emergency martial law. The backlash from the Democratic Party of Korea has been swift and severe, with accusations of complicity in an attempted insurrection.

Defense of Yoon Suk Yeol Sparks Outrage

On February 20, 2026, Jang Dong-hyeok virtually dismissed the life imprisonment sentence handed down to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, related to events surrounding the December 3rd civil unrest. His refusal to distance himself from Yoon, even after the judicial ruling, ignited a firestorm of condemnation from the Democratic Party. Critics allege Yoon’s actions constituted a civil war.

Democratic Party Demands Accountability

Leading figures within the Democratic Party have been vocal in their criticism. Floor Leader Han Byeong-do expressed dismay, stating that Jang’s message echoed the rhetoric of Yoon Suk Yeol’s previous martial law declaration. Other party members questioned Jang’s sanity and accused him of betraying the public by supporting Yoon. Some have even called for Jang’s removal from the National Assembly.

Several Democratic Party representatives, including Hwang Myeong-seon, Choo Mi-ae, Kim Yong-min, Kim Dong-ah, Park Ju-min, and Park Hong-geun, have publicly demanded the disbandment of the People Power Party, labeling it an “anti-state group” and accusing it of complicity in rebellion. Representative Moon Jin-seok called for Jang to apologize and resign from politics, while Han Joon-ho stated Jang was unfit to represent the public or hold political office.

Calls for Legal Action

Members of the Innovation Party have also joined the chorus calling for the PPP’s dissolution, urging the Ministry of Justice to seek a legal judgment to dissolve the party due to its alleged unconstitutional activities. Shin Jang-sik, Lee Hae-min, and Jeong Chun-saeng, all representatives of the Innovation Party, voiced their support for this action through social media posts.

Jang Dong-hyeok’s Leadership and Party Divisions

Jang Dong-hyeok was elected leader of the People Power Party in August 2025, defeating Kim Moon-soo in a runoff vote. His victory reflected strong support from hard-line party members, particularly those who opposed Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment in 2024. He has pledged to resist the current administration led by President Lee Jae-myung.

Background: 2024 Martial Law Crisis and Impeachment

The current political turmoil stems from the 2024 declaration of emergency martial law by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, which led to his subsequent impeachment. The declaration and subsequent events were deemed by the courts to constitute a civil war, resulting in Yoon’s life sentence.

The People Power Party suffered a significant defeat in the snap presidential election following the impeachment, leaving it with limited power to challenge the current administration.