PPP leadership honors fallen, vows public-first politics

Jan 02, 2026, 08:32 am

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People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk wipes away tears as he signs the guestbook after paying respects at the Memorial Tower at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak District on New Year’s Day. / Yonhap

The leadership of the People Power Party marked the start of the new year with a visit to Seoul National Cemetery, where party leader Jang Dong-hyuk pledged to pursue politics centered on the public interest.

On Jan. 1, Jang visited the Memorial Tower at Seoul National Cemetery, offering flowers and incense before observing a moment of silence. In the guestbook, he wrote, *“Min yu bangbon, jeong jae yangmin”—*meaning “The people are the foundation of the state, and governance lies in caring for them”—adding the phrase “Politics for the people.”

The motto echoed themes from Jang’s New Year address released a day earlier, in which he emphasized livelihood issues and public welfare. “Together with the people, we will safeguard Korea’s liberal democracy and rule of law, and open a future of freedom, prosperity, reconciliation, and unity,” he said. “In the new year, the People Power Party and I will work harder than ever— with a bone-deep resolve—for the people and the nation.”

Jang added that the party would spare no effort to improve everyday life, envisioning a country where young people can pursue their dreams in good jobs, small business owners and the self-employed can thrive, and citizens can live without anxiety over housing, employment, or crime.

The party delegation also paid respects at the gravesites of former presidents Rhee Syng-man, Park Chung-hee, Kim Dae-jung, and Kim Young-sam. Jang concluded by expressing hope that 2026 would be “filled with the light of hope,” wishing warmth and comfort for all citizens in the year ahead.

#People Power Party #Jang Dong-hyuk #Seoul National Cemetery #New Year visit