The People Power Party held an outside protest in front of Seoul's National Assembly building to demand the impeachment of President Lee Jae-myung [1].
The rally signals a deepening divide between the opposition and the presidency, as the People Power Party seeks to challenge the Democratic Party's control over the legislative process and the election commission [1, 2].
Led by party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, members gathered to launch what they described as a total offensive against the administration [1]. The protesters specifically demanded the repeal of the "입틀막법" and called for a special investigation into the election commission [1, 2].
Jang Dong-hyuk focused his criticism on allegations involving a golf trip taken by the president. Regarding the misconduct, Jang said, "It is already a clear ground for impeachment" [1].
The protest occurred early in July 2024, following a two-week boycott [1]. This boycott began after the National Assembly's session lasted over 40 days [1]. The timing was intended to pressure the government before Constitution Day on July 17 [1, 2].
During the rally, party members chanted, "Repeal the 입틀막법" [1]. The group's goals included overturning the Democratic Party's election of the election-committee chair, and addressing what they view as systemic abuses of power [1, 2].
Despite the intensity of the demonstration, the planned efforts to re-constitute the assembly's organization before the holiday deadline were not successful [1, 2].
“"It is already a clear ground for impeachment."”
This escalation to street protests indicates that the People Power Party has shifted its strategy from legislative negotiation to public mobilization. By linking specific policy grievances, such as the '입틀막법', with personal misconduct allegations against President Lee, the opposition is attempting to erode the administration's public legitimacy ahead of key constitutional milestones.
