PPP leader signals reflection on Yoon labor reforms while staying silent on ‘Yoon break’

Mar 11, 2026, 08:20 am

		0
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, delivers a congratulatory speech at the 80th anniversary ceremony of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 10. / Song Eui-ju

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), acknowledged shortcomings in the labor reform policies of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration but refrained from directly commenting on calls within the party to sever ties with the former president.

Speaking at the 80th anniversary ceremony of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 10, Jang said the previous administration failed to sufficiently gather workers’ opinions while pushing forward labor reforms.

“At the beginning of this year, our party pledged a new direction for change and presented ‘a society where labor is respected’ as our first vision,” Jang said. “It reflects our party’s recognition that the Yoon Suk Yeol administration did not fully listen to workers’ voices during the labor reform process.”

His remarks have been interpreted as a gradual shift in the party’s stance toward the former president, although Jang avoided explicitly addressing the issue often described within political circles as “breaking with Yoon.”

On March 9, PPP lawmakers adopted a resolution during a general meeting stating they clearly oppose any calls for the political return of former President Yoon. When asked about the issue on March 10, Jang said he had already expressed his position through the party’s chief spokesperson following the resolution.

“After the resolution was adopted, my stance was fully conveyed through the senior spokesperson,” he said, adding that he had carefully listened to various opinions expressed by lawmakers during the meeting.

Some party insiders believe Jang’s remarks at the labor union event suggest a cautious step toward distancing the party from the previous administration.

“It would be difficult for the party leader to shift direction all at once,” a party official said. “Even acknowledging and reflecting on the previous administration’s policies at the FKTU event carries significant meaning.”

The ceremony was also attended by National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae, and Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party.

Jang said the PPP would continue working with labor groups, including the FKTU, to promote what he described as “proper labor reform.”

“We will do our best to pursue meaningful labor reform together with workers and labor organizations,” he added.

#Jang Dong-hyuk #people power party #Yoon Suk Yeol #labor policy