PPP cutoff sparks backlash, legal fight looms

Mar 24, 2026, 09:45 am

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People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk attends a party event at the National Assembly Museum in Seoul. / Yonhap News

A growing dispute has emerged within the People Power Party (PPP) after Joo Ho-young and Lee Jin-sook were excluded from the Daegu mayoral primary, triggering strong backlash and political fallout.

Joo, vice speaker of the National Assembly, signaled legal action, including filing for an injunction to suspend the validity of his exclusion, while Lee, a former Korea Communications Commission chair, plans to hold a press conference on March 24 in front of the party headquarters to demand a reconsideration.

According to political sources on March 23, Joo has taken a hardline stance, even suggesting the resignation of PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk and raising the possibility of running as an independent after leaving the party. He argued that the nomination committee’s decision ultimately reflects the responsibility of the party leader.

In a Facebook post, Joo criticized what he called a lack of principles in the nomination process, stating that a leader who fails to uphold promises should step down. He also accused the leadership of evading responsibility and urged immediate corrective measures.

Following the cutoff announcement on March 22, Joo declared his refusal to accept the decision, warning of legal action and calling for a review. His escalation—from criticizing the nomination committee to demanding the leader’s resignation—is seen as a broader political challenge to the party leadership.

As tensions rise, various scenarios are being discussed within and outside the party. If Joo leaves the PPP and runs as an independent in the Daegu mayoral race, a by-election would be triggered in his parliamentary district of Suseong A, potentially reshaping the political landscape. Some have even speculated about a possible alliance involving former party leader Han Dong-hoon in such a by-election.

Meanwhile, Lee is taking a different approach by opting for a public campaign through a press conference rather than legal action. Her side said she would hold the event at noon on March 24, joined by local residents and young supporters.

They explained that while many supporters wanted to gather in large numbers, the absence of a registered rally made a press conference the only viable option to avoid procedural issues and potential clashes.

Lee’s camp added that they would continue to demand a reconsideration of the Daegu mayoral nomination and decide on further actions depending on the nomination committee’s response. They also dismissed the possibility of a by-election scenario.

PPP leadership, however, has drawn a line, emphasizing respect for the nomination committee’s decision. Jang said that while opinions may differ, party members should narrow differences and make necessary sacrifices for electoral victory, signaling little room for revisiting the cutoff decision.

While the leadership’s stance appears to temporarily contain internal conflict, observers note that continued resistance from those excluded could keep tensions alive within the party.

#Joo Ho-young #Lee Jin-sook #People Power Party #Daegu mayor race #primary cutoff