PPP leader issues belated apology for martial law fiasco

Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, speaks during a press conference at the party's headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, chairman of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), issued a formal apology Wednesday for the 2024 martial law fiasco, a move widely seen as an effort to distance the party from former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The apology came more than a year after Yoon, who entered office as the party's candidate, abruptly imposed martial law — a decision that led to his impeachment and criminal prosecution.

"The emergency martial law declared on Dec. 3, 2024, was an inappropriate and misguided measure that did not fit the situation. It led to significant confusion and inconvenience to the public, and inflicted deep wounds on our party members who have upheld the constitutional order of liberal democracy," Jang said at a press conference at the party's headquarters.

"As the ruling party at the time and a key pillar of state governance, we failed to fulfill our responsibilities," he added. "We take that responsibility very seriously. I offer my deepest apologies to the public."

The belated apology comes as the PPP continues to grapple with internal turmoil stemming from the political fallout from Yoon's tainted legacy. The PPP leader's apology was widely seen as an effort to shore up swing voters ahead of the June 1 local election.

Jang, who took office as party chairman in August, has sought to steady the party, whose approval ratings have remained below those of its rival, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.

Pledging that the party would not repeat past mistakes, Jang said it would move forward "by crossing the river of martial law and impeachment."

However, he stopped short of explicitly mentioning Yoon, despite calls from within and outside the party to sever ties with the former president and improve their chances in local elections.

The PPP leader also unveiled a package of reform measures, including a possible change to the party’s name.

"We will redefine the party's values and direction, and consider changing the party’s name through consultation with all party members," he said.

In addition, Jang said they would launch an internal task force bringing together experts to lead policy development and hold weekly meetings to review issues involving people's livelihoods and the economy. He also announced plans to establish a separate department within the party dedicated to labor issues and policies for vulnerable groups.