The leader of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party, Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, issued a formal apology on January 7, 2026, for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law declaration, seen as an effort to distance the party from his legacy.
On January 7, 2026, at a press conference in Seoul's Yeouido headquarters of the People Power Party (PPP), Chairman Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok apologized for the emergency martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 3, 2024. This belated move, over a year after the event that led to Yoon's impeachment and criminal prosecution on insurrection charges, is viewed as an attempt to separate the party from his controversial legacy.
"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 stated. He added, "As the ruling party at the time and a key pillar of state governance, we failed to fulfill our responsibilities. We take that responsibility very seriously. I offer my deepest apologies to the public."
Though Jang avoided explicitly naming Yoon despite internal and external calls to cut ties, the apology signals a shift amid the party's ongoing internal turmoil. Having assumed the chairmanship in August 2025, Jang has worked to stabilize the PPP, whose approval ratings lag behind the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. The timing appears aimed at rallying swing voters ahead of the June 1 local elections.
Pledging no repetition of past errors, Jang said the party would move forward "by crossing the river of martial law and impeachment." He outlined reforms, including considering a name change through member consultations. Plans include launching an expert task force for policy development with weekly reviews of livelihood and economic issues, and establishing a dedicated department for labor and vulnerable groups.
Jang was one of 18 PPP lawmakers who voted to lift the martial law. Regarding the elections, he vowed openness to cooperation with other opposition parties "if they agree on the values of liberal democracy and the goal to prevent the authoritarian rule of the Lee Jae Myung administration."
