People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk is preparing a party reform plan to increase the influence of party members in governance [1].
This move comes as Jang faces internal calls for his resignation. By shifting power toward the general membership, the leadership seeks to pre-empt dissent and reshape how candidates are selected for future elections [1].
Central to the reform is a new evaluation system for sitting lawmakers. The party intends to create approximately 200 evaluation criteria to assess current representatives [1]. These criteria will be drafted over the next three to four months [1].
Jang said the goal of the party is to nominate people who can fight alongside party members as one [1]. This shift suggests a move away from top-down appointments toward a system that prioritizes the will of the party base [1].
The comprehensive party reform plan was expected to be announced in early August 2024 [1]. Observers said the timing and nature of these changes may signal Jang's intention to seek re-election to his leadership post [1].
Despite the proposed changes, some within the party have remained indifferent to the evaluation systems and disciplinary attempts [1]. The leadership continues to push for a structure that aligns lawmaker performance with member expectations to ensure party unity [1].
“The party intends to create approximately 200 evaluation criteria to assess current representatives.”
The introduction of a rigorous, 200-point evaluation system represents a strategic attempt to institutionalize party loyalty and performance. By tying lawmaker viability to member-driven metrics, Jang Dong-hyuk is attempting to build a grassroots power base that can insulate his leadership from elite-level internal opposition and secure his path to a second term.
