South Korea's Ruling Party Chief Faces Growing Pressure Over Leadership Direction

The People Power Party, South Korea’s leading ruling party, is experiencing significant internal division as party officials increasingly challenge the direction set by their chief. On February 21, a group of 25 current and former local branch leaders coordinated a joint statement demanding immediate leadership change, signaling an unprecedented level of internal dissent within the organization.

Multiple Senior Officials Call for Immediate Leadership Change

The statement directed at Jang Dong-heok, the party chief, explicitly urged him to step down, citing his refusal to create meaningful separation from former President Yoon Seok-youl. The 25 senior officials framed their call as essential for the party’s electoral survival, arguing that continued association with the controversial political figure is dragging the party “into a downward spiral that departs from public sentiment.” The officials further criticized the chief’s handling of recent legal proceedings against Yoon Seok-youl, viewing his response as inadequate in distancing the party from the embattled former president.

Unresolved Ties to Former President Drive Party Division

At the heart of this leadership crisis lies a fundamental strategic disagreement about how the party should navigate its relationship with Yoon Seok-youl. While some party members believe a complete break is necessary for political renewal, others—including the current party chief—maintain stronger institutional ties. This tension reflects broader concerns about whether the party’s leadership can chart an independent course or remains overly tethered to the former president’s political legacy.

Electoral Stakes and Internal Fractures Challenge Party Unity

The timing of this challenge is particularly significant as the party prepares for upcoming local elections. The coordinated statement from senior officials suggests deep concern that the party’s current leadership direction could alienate voters and weaken electoral performance. The public nature of their demand—issued jointly by 25 officials—demonstrates that this is not merely a quiet disagreement but a formal, organized challenge to the chief’s authority. Unless resolved, these internal fractures could have lasting consequences for party cohesion and electoral prospects in the months ahead.