Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of South Korea's People Power Party, notified his inability to attend a scheduled lunch with President Lee Jae-myung just before the meeting, citing concerns about a recent legislative action spearheaded by the ruling party. He described the situation as a 'constitutional coup' and criticized the government for attempting to use the meeting as a public relations stunt involving opposition leaders. This sudden decision came after significant pressure from within his party and external influencers, particularly an extreme right-wing YouTuber named Jeon Han-gil, who had reportedly expressed strong opposition to the meeting.

Initially, Jang had expressed his intention to attend the lunch, stating the importance of conveying public sentiment to the president. However, in a dramatic turn of events less than an hour before the meeting, he reversed his decision, influenced by party members who argued against attending what they perceived as an attempt to downplay the ruling party's controversial legislation. Prominent party figures advised Jang not to participate, emphasizing that his attendance would only place him in a subordinate role during a time of political contention surrounding judicial reforms.

The fallout from Jang's decision to withdraw from the meeting raises significant questions about the influence of extreme elements within South Korea's political landscape. Many speculate that Jeon Han-gil's criticisms and public statements were pivotal in shaping Jang's final decision, highlighting how media personalities can impact political discourse and decisions. The implications of such influences underscore the challenging dynamics within South Korea's political parties, particularly as they navigate public opinions and confront legislative controversies amidst volatile electoral scenarios.