2026 지방선거: Why 국민의힘’s 장동혁 Faces Growing Criticism and Calls for Change

[Anchor] People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk traveled to Gangwon Province to court voters ahead of the local elections, but he faced sharp criticism on the ground. Even in his stronghold—the Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam area—an emerging “anti-Jang” movement distancing itself from him is spreading. This is Yang So-ri reporting. [Reporter] Jang Dong-hyuk, who had been away on a trip to the United States, resumed local activities after about 15 days with a visit to Yangyang, Gangwon. He skipped the customary on-site supreme council meeting that typically accompanies a leader’s regional visit. Party officials appear to have omitted it to avoid the public criticism that erupted at the Incheon council meeting, but that move did not prevent sharp remarks from local officials. Kim Jin-tae, the People Power Party’s candidate for Gangwon governor and the incumbent governor, spoke bluntly and urged Jang to take responsibility and fix the problems he created—effectively calling for him to step back. (Kim Jin-tae / People Power Party candidate for Gangwon governor) No matter how much I run around until my feet blister, every time central party news breaks I get a sinking feeling. I want him to return to the principled Jang Dong-hyuk we used to know. He needs to take responsibility and resolve this himself. Jang, who had been taking notes with a stern expression, replied that he did not know exactly what was meant by “take responsibility and fix the problems he created.” (Jang Dong-hyuk / People Power Party leader) I’ll take that as words of affection for the party… I’m not sure exactly what you mean by that phrase. Despite Jang’s dismissal, the anti-Jang wave has swept the country. Local leaders preparing for the elections say they do not need Jang. Not only Seoul, led by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, but Gyeonggi Province—and now the Busan–Ulsan–Gyeongnam area—are moving to form independent campaign committees that distance themselves from the central campaign. Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom and Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su, both facing elections, said they will soon issue statements calling for change in Jang’s leadership. Those aligned with former leader Han Dong-hoon have welcomed this trend. Lawmaker Park Jeong-hoon said that if Jang’s leadership were to resign en masse, our candidates’ approval ratings would receive a major boost, and he argued for running the campaign without Jang at the helm. Lawmaker Jin Jong-oh, who secured lodging in Busan where former leader Han is campaigning, said he expects discussions about Jang’s future to surface soon. This is Yang So-ri for Yonhap News TV. [Video reporting: Park Tae-beom, Kim Seong-su, Hong Su-ho, Kim Sang-hoon] [Video editing: Yoon Hyun-jung] #LocalElections #PeoplePowerParty #JangDong-hyuk Yonhap News TV tips and inquiries: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 Yang So-ri (sound@yna.co.kr)