Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of South Korea's People Power Party, has recently made headlines for his refusal to distance himself from former president Yoon Seok-yeol, who received a life sentence for insurrection. During a press conference following Yoon's sentencing, Jang expressed his disagreement with the verdict and insisted that it is only the first trial, underscoring the presumption of innocence. Jang dismissed calls within his party to cut ties with Yoon, accusing those pushing for separation of attempting to divide the party for their own interests.

In response to Jang's stance, prominent conservative newspapers such as Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, and Dong-A Ilbo have condemned his comments as shocking. Chosun Ilbo criticized Jang for overtly defending Yoon, suggesting that it undermines any hope for change or renewal within the party following the verdict. They highlighted that his assertion of Yoon's presumption of innocence implies a validation of the actions leading to the insurrection, which many citizens find unacceptable.

JoongAng Ilbo echoed this sentiment, describing Jang's remarks as a regression that contradicts public sentiment and the general understanding following Yoon's conviction. Their editorial pointed out that Jang appears to be overly influenced by the hardline support from Yoon's faction, to the detriment of broader public accountability and perception. The discourse surrounding Jang’s comments illustrates the ongoing struggle within South Korea's political landscape, particularly as the People Power Party negotiates its identity and its response to past leadership crises.