Conservatives in disarray as martial law dispute resurfaces

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok speaks during a rally near Juan Station in Incheon, Monday. Yonhap

A year after the Dec. 3 martial law crisis, remarks by former President Yoon Suk Yeol and main opposition People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyeok have reignited tensions within the conservative bloc, drawing harsh criticism from both rival parties and members of their own camp ahead of next year’s local elections.

In a message issued from prison on Wednesday, Yoon claimed the last year’s martial law declaration had been a “constitutional duty” carried out to resist an alleged attempt to paralyze state functions and undermine the nation’s democratic order. His comments were met with swift condemnation.

Former National Assembly Secretary-General Yoo In-tae dismissed the statement as “delusional,” adding on a radio program that Yoon sounded as if “he still hasn’t sobered up.” Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, criticized Yoon for reviving disputed claims about election fraud. Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon accused Yoon of “justifying martial law” and attempting to shift responsibility to subordinates.

Jang has adopted an increasingly hardline stance, criticizing the proposed repeal of the National Security Act and linking the recent data breach at Coupang to “Chinese spies.” His remarks caused unease within the PPP, particularly among lawmakers seeking to broaden the party's appeal ahead of next year's local elections in June. Several legislators warned that Jang’s rhetoric risks alienating moderates, who are expected to play a decisive role in key races.

Concerns about Jang’s leadership have grown. More than two dozen lawmakers, including senior figures and first-term members, have issued separate statements emphasizing the need for a clear break with Yoon and for broader internal reforms. Some warned that the party could repeat past failures if it remained anchored to its most hardline supporters.

Attention has also focused on the similarities between Yoon's and Jang's messaging. Yoon’s call to “raise a red card” against the current administration echoed a slogan Jang used repeatedly during a nationwide rally tour. This has fueled speculation within the party about their overlapping appeal to pro-Yoon conservatives.

Although discussions about replacing the leadership have not yet taken a formal shape, several lawmakers have warned that if approval ratings continue to stagnate, there could be open calls for change. Others have expressed concern that the PPP is becoming indistinguishable from Yoon, which they fear could further damage the conservative brand ahead of the upcoming election cycle.