While People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok takes his campaign directly to voters in their 20s and 30s, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon has been making a string of unannounced appearances at forums hosted by PPP lawmakers, quietly expanding his contacts inside the party. The contrast is stark: Jang, increasingly isolated within the party, is working the streets, while Han, eager to rejoin the PPP, is working the corridors.
According to political circles Friday, Jang plans to hold a youth forum at the PPP's Busan chapter on Sunday to discuss the disenfranchisement controversy surrounding the June 3 election, then attend a rally at Heart Square in Busan's Seomyeon district.
Jang has been holding a series of regional youth forums since Wednesday, starting in Incheon — a city at the center of the so-called "twin vote-count" controversy in early voting tallies. At a meeting with youth organizations there, he argued that early voting, which the public no longer trusts, should be abolished and replaced with a French-style same-day hand-count system.
Beyond official events, Jang has been showing up at Olympic Park rallies on a near-daily basis to stand alongside young protesters. Videos on YouTube livestreams showed him participating among ordinary attendees, wearing a cap and mask.
Political observers suggest Jang may be turning to street politics precisely because his standing inside the party has eroded under repeated calls for his resignation. One PPP lawmaker said Jang appeared completely isolated when he spoke at a recent floor meeting. "Not a single lawmaker looked like they were listening to him," the lawmaker said.
Han, meanwhile, has been investing considerable effort in broadening his ties within the parliamentary caucus. He has been making surprise appearances at forums and seminars organized by PPP lawmakers, building informal contact with them in a low-key manner.
He showed up unannounced, as has become his habit, at an exhibition showcasing biological specimen work by people with severe disabilities, held at the National Assembly office building on June 30. "He wasn't invited — everyone was surprised when he walked in," an event official told a reporter. "People around him started taking photos."
For Han, who sits as an independent, the most pressing task is rejoining the PPP. He is repeatedly mentioned as a leading conservative contender for the next presidential race, but without PPP membership, a run for party leader — a prerequisite for that path — is out of the question.
There is no shortage of unease within the party about his return, however. Lawmakers uncomfortable with the organized bloc of Han loyalists — known as the "pro-Han" faction — represent a significant obstacle. "Some PPP lawmakers are put off by the existence of the pro-Han faction as a power base," said one opposition-side official. "That's exactly what makes his return so difficult."
Assessments of the party leadership race ahead are divided. One PPP lawmaker predicted Han would win if a leadership convention were held now, while another argued that Jang holds a structural advantage given the heavy weight of party member votes in the balloting.
thanks@heraldcorp.com
