Lee Hyun-sang
The author is a columnist at the JoongAng Ilbo.
The sudden visit to the United States by People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, made amid preparations for local elections, has raised questions. What first appeared to be an unexpected move soon turned into controversy. His claim that he met a U.S. assistant secretary of state was later found to involve a meeting with the 33-year-old chief of staff to a U.S. under secretary of state. His explanation of a “working-level misunderstanding” did little to quell criticism.
Jang Dong-hyeok, left, leader of the People Power Party, poses with Supreme Council member Kim Min-soo in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington during his visit to the United States. After returning to Korea amid mounting criticism, Jang said the photo had been unofficially leaked. [FACEBOOK CAPTURE]
Behind the episode lies a clearer intent. Jang appears to be trying to navigate his political troubles by associating himself with Donald Trump. His actions suggest an effort to appeal to conservative supporters who continue to see Trump as a powerful figure and who remain loyal to former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
During his trip, Jang reportedly sought a meeting with Paula White, often described as Trump’s spiritual adviser. The move appears to have been aimed at creating an opportunity for a possible encounter with Trump himself. His posting on social media of Trump’s image alongside the phrase “FAFO” was not simply parody but closer to an attempt to adopt Trump’s confrontational political style.
The connection between Jang and Trump can also be understood through a shared affinity with certain strands of conservative Christianity. A key part of Trump’s support base is evangelical Protestants, within which more hardline groups frame politics as a moral struggle. This view is reflected in figures such as Pete Hegseth, who has described political conflict as a battle to defend Western Christian civilization. In this framework, politics becomes less about compromise and more about confrontation.
Jang’s own rhetoric has at times echoed this approach. He has told conservative rallies that God would lead them to victory and suggested that even extraordinary political measures, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Dec. 3, 2024 attempt to impose martial law, could be part of a larger plan. His visits to prominent churches have reinforced perceptions that his political language leans more toward religious conviction than institutional reasoning.
This perspective has also shaped his leadership within the party. Even as the People Power Party’s approval rating has reportedly fallen to around 15 percent ahead of the elections, Jang has focused on internal discipline rather than reflection. His calls to remove those responsible for internal dissent have been interpreted as attempts to consolidate control.
His response to calls for resignation follows a similar logic. Jang has argued that stepping down would amount to evading responsibility. Critics say this reflects a narrow understanding of accountability. His willingness to consider replacing candidates even with less than two months before the election has further raised concerns about instability.
As policy debate has receded, internal conflict has taken center stage. The language of identifying internal adversaries and enforcing discipline has overshadowed efforts to present policy alternatives. In this respect, some observers see parallels between Jang and Trump, noting that both leaders have at times become sources of risk for their own organizations.
Within the party, reactions have been marked less by fear than by frustration. Some candidates reportedly view the leader’s campaign presence as a burden. Political opponents have used the controversy to question the party’s credibility.
Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the People Power Party, leaves the press briefing room after a media session on the outcome of his visit to the United States at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 20. [NEWS1]
Despite mounting criticism, Jang has shown little sign of stepping aside. His continued leadership appears tied to calculations about political survival after the election. His recent remarks blaming internal divisions for declining support suggest an effort to shift responsibility.
Critics argue that just as Trump reshaped American politics in ways that deepened polarization, Jang risks lowering the standards of conservative politics in Korea. Where reasoned debate should prevail, rhetoric and conviction appear to dominate.
Whether this pattern is unique to one party remains uncertain. The broader concern is that such political dynamics may extend beyond ideological lines, shaping the tone of Korea’s politics as a whole.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
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