Yangyang county:<Text>

A recent meeting of the People Power Party's (PPP) leadership in a village hall in Yangyang County, Gangwon, highlighted the increasing pressure on party leader Jang Dong-hyeok to step down. During the session, Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae, who is seeking re-election in the June 3 local elections with the party's endorsement, effectively called for Jang to take responsibility for the party's current issues and resign.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim expressed concerns that candidates feel uneasy whenever headlines focus on the central party leadership, suggesting that "those responsible should resolve the issue." Jang, however, claimed not to understand Kim's remark. This exchange underscores a broader discontent among party members and conservative voters about the current leadership's ability to guide the party through the elections and beyond.

Kim's comment seems to have ignited existing tensions rather than being the root cause . Signs of division have already emerged within the party, with some candidates distancing themselves from Jang and even avoiding the party's signature red color in their campaigns. The term "post-Jang" has been used to describe efforts to move beyond his leadership. Jang's recent trip to the United States, made about 50 days before the election, has intensified criticism. Although Jang defended the visit as necessary for safeguarding national interests and supporting the election, it has had the opposite effect. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon described the trip as burdensome for candidates, and it left many voters unconvinced.

The situation has drawn attention from political opponents as well. Democratic Party (DP) leader Jung Chung-rae remarked that the episode was embarrassing, even though it involved a different party. Within the PPP, lawmakers in Gyeonggi have formed their own campaign committee, distancing themselves from the central leadership. They aim to prevent the ruling party from domina ting unchecked, warning that a lack of balance could lead to the disappearance of even minimal mechanisms of control.

In contrast, the DP has quickly moved to present policy proposals, unveiling around 200 detailed pledges. To reestablish itself as a viable counterweight, the main opposition party may need to overhaul its current leadership structure and form a renewed election committee focused on reform.

With the election approaching, the PPP's next steps will be crucial in determining not only the outcome of the upcoming elections but also the party's future direction.