People Power Party puts off rebranding, backs Jang

Feb 23, 2026, 07:53 am

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Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, attends a closed-door Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on Feb. 22, along with other party leaders. /Song Eui-joo

The People Power Party (PPP) has decided to postpone discussions on changing its party name until after the June 3 local elections, choosing instead to concentrate on consolidating support within the party and reinforcing the leadership of Jang Dong-hyuk.

According to senior spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon, the party leadership reached the decision during a closed-door Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on Feb. 22.

Choi explained that a party name change is closely tied to revisions of party policies, the party platform and internal regulations, requiring “sufficient deliberation.” He added that there were also time constraints ahead of the local elections that made it difficult to complete the process.

The PPP had narrowed potential new party names to two options — “Future Alliance” and “Republic Opening the Future” — and had sought to gather opinions at the meeting. However, leaders concluded there was not enough time to effectively introduce a new name to voters before the election.

Instead, the party will prioritize rebuilding what it calls “Jang Dong-hyuk leadership” and rallying party members for the June 3 vote.

The decision comes amid growing internal tensions. Within the party, disagreements have continued after Jang refused to adopt a hardline “break with Yoon” stance following the first trial ruling against former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Differences over disciplinary measures against Rep. Bae Hyun-jin have also yet to be resolved.

At a general assembly of lawmakers scheduled for Feb. 23, discussions are expected to extend beyond local election strategy to include questions about Jang’s leadership and the overall operation of the party. Some observers say that if discord intensifies, calls for leadership accountability could spread. Others argue that if internal differences are reconciled, Jang’s leadership could regain momentum under a unified front.

The association of 71 external party chapter heads issued a statement the same day expressing support for Jang, describing him as “a legitimate and lawful leader backed by 1.15 million party members,” and urging an immediate halt to actions that undermine his legitimacy. The statement directly countered calls from 25 former and current external chapter heads demanding Jang’s resignation.

Within the party, some have even raised the possibility of transitioning to an emergency leadership committee.

A key party official said the Feb. 23 assembly could mark a turning point. “Our party has experienced considerable shock and confusion and has faced serious challenges,” the official said. “In terms of making a fresh start, the general assembly could become a watershed moment.”

#People Power Party #Jang Dong-hyuk #Yoon Suk Yeol #local elections #party name change