Jo Gab-je, a conservative commentator and the head of Jo Gab-je Dot Com, has expressed sharp criticism towards Jo Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party (PPP), for his steadfast refusal to distance himself from former President Yoon Seok-yeol, while simultaneously pushing unfounded conspiracy theories about the legitimacy of elections. In a recent interview with SBS, Jo presented three criteria for identifying far-right figures, which includes denying the constitution, propagating falsehoods regarding election fraud, and inciting racial tensions, stating that those who meet these criteria can be classified as 'completely far-right.' He emphasized that Jo Dong-hyuk has deeply intertwined himself with Yoon Seok-yeol's faction, resulting in the PPP appearing as a soulless 'zombie party' dominated by far-right influences.

This criticism from Jo is particularly significant given the recent ruling by a local court that sentenced Yoon Seok-yeol to life imprisonment on charges of insurrection related to the December 3 martial law. Following the verdict, Jo Dong-hyuk publicly expressed strong dissatisfaction and dismissed calls within the party for a separation from Yoon's faction, asserting that the ongoing legal processes have not concluded and that those advocating for division are merely seeking to exploit the situation for their own benefit. His remarks suggest a commitment to maintaining party unity and allegiance to Yoon Seok-yeol, despite the controversies surrounding him.

Moreover, Jo Gab-je pointed out the broader media criticism of Jo Dong-hyuk, highlighting that even conservative outlets like Chosun Ilbo are now questioning his leadership. This indicates a significant shift in the political landscape, where the stability and direction of the People Power Party are being contested amid growing internal strife over its alignment with the far-right and recent legal developments concerning Yoon Seok-yeol. As the situation unfolds, it raises important questions about the future of the PPP and the potential for ideological fractures within South Korean conservatism.