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Jang Dong-hyuk, newly elected leader of the People Power Party, waves the party flag after his victory at the 6th national convention held at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul, on August 26. / Source: Lee Byung-hwa

Jang Dong-hyuk was elected leader of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) on August 26, signaling a period of intensified confrontation with the ruling Democratic Party under Chairman Jung Chung-rae, who has branded the opposition as a “rebellious force.”

Since taking office, Jung has repeatedly labeled the PPP a force behind martial law and refused even symbolic gestures of bipartisanship, including shaking hands with the opposition leader. He has gone so far as to warn that if evidence emerges that the PPP obstructed the vote to lift martial law, “dissolution of the party could be possible.”

Given Jung’s stance, political observers believe there is little prospect for a leaders’ meeting in the near term, especially with the PPP now moving under Jang’s leadership toward a more combative path.

A former judge now serving his second term, Jang secured his leadership victory by appealing to pro-Yoon Suk-yeol factions under the slogan “Yoon Again.” He was the first among candidates to appear on a conservative YouTube forum alongside historian Jeon Han-gil and even spoke of visiting former President Yoon in detention, consolidating his support among hardline conservatives.

At a press conference immediately after his election, Jang declared, “With 107 seats, the only thing the PPP can rely on is solidarity with right-wing citizens who are willing to fight with us.” He effectively declared an all-out confrontation with the ruling camp.

Political analysts see Jang’s election as the opening shot for the June 2026 local elections. He pledged to overhaul the candidate nomination system to ensure “capable figures are selected,” and plans to launch a preparatory task force to begin recruiting candidates and reorganizing the party structure.

The ruling Democratic Party is likewise gearing up for local elections while accelerating its legislative drive. It plans to extend three ongoing special investigations — on martial law, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, and the death of a Marine — and to push forward sweeping prosecutorial reforms, including abolishing the Prosecutors’ Office and creating new investigative agencies.

While the PPP has relied on filibusters in the past, the strategy has limited effect since the Democratic majority can end debates with a three-fifths vote. Under Jang’s leadership, the opposition is expected to escalate street protests and public campaigns, raising the level of confrontation both in and outside parliament.