“People Who Want Our Party to Fail” Chang Je-won Responds to Criticism of New Party Election Regulations

People Power Party lawmaker Chang Je-won applauds at the second study session of People Empathy, a study group in the People Power Party, held at the Members’ Office Building in the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the morning of December 21. Yonhap News

On December 21, People Power Party lawmaker Chang Je-won said, “I don’t think it is right for the thoughts of people who want our party to fail to influence the election of our party leader.” His words were in protest of the opposition from non-Yoon members, including former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min, on the recent PPP emergency committee’s amendment of party regulations, which stipulated that the party leader would be chosen 100% by party member votes. Lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon, a party leader candidate who is rumored to have sided with Chang, also dismissed the voices opposing the amendment and said, “If we change the election regulation, then is it all electoral fraud?”

After attending a gathering of People Empathy, a study group in the PPP, Wednesday, lawmaker Chang asked, “What is wrong with the people who cherish our party the most and who wish the best for our party choosing the party leader who would be most dedicated and good in leading our party?” and expressed his opposition to voices criticizing the latest amendment. The party’s current rules on the party convention state that the election result will be determined 30% by public surveys and 70% by party member votes, but the PPP emergency committee is trying to amend the party constitution to exclude public surveys and have party member votes determine the election outcome 100%. Chang said, “Those opposing this rule are disparaging our party members.”

Lawmaker Kim was also present, and when a reporter asked his opinion on how former lawmaker Yoo claimed that revising the regulation was election manipulation, he said, “What do you mean it’s election fraud!” and added, “All he has to do is make a goal and win, and arguing about this only proves that he is not sure he can win.”

Word had already spread in the party that Kim Gi-hyeon, who has announced his bid for party leader, and Chang Je-won have formed an alliance (Kim-Chang solidarity). The two frequently appeared in public together and often made comments praising each other, eventually drawing attention. On Tuesday, Kim attended the general meeting of the Gyeongnam Innovation Forum in Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. Chang is the senior advisor for this organization. Kim was the only incumbent lawmaker to take part in the forum.

Chang is known as a central figure among “Yoon’s key aides (a.k.a. Yoon-haekgwan),” so some believe that Kim is supported by the president. The amendment of the party regulation is also thought to reflect the wishes of the president. If the party election is determined 100% by party member votes, it will work against the non-Yoon candidates like former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min and lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, who have more supporters among the moderates than party members. This is why Yoo criticized the latest move as “electoral fraud” and Ahn opposed claiming the party election will end up electing the king of the pack.

Chang Je-won described his relationship with Kim saying, “It hasn’t been that long since we were introduced to each other.” He admitted that the two were on good terms, but did not assert the possibility of a “Kim-Chang alliance” in the next party convention. Chang asked, “Don’t people go on dates and have coffee together, watch movies and share meals before they decide to get married?”

Kim Gi-hyeon said, “When it comes to kimjang (kimchi making, homophone for Kim-Chang), you don’t declare that you are going to do kimjang. You simply do it and place the delicious result on the table.” He continued and said, “I will ensure a smooth supply of nutrients in politics and for the people’s health with side dishes, plenty of tasty food.”