People Power Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk holds a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 17th. Yonhap News. 

People Power Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk stated on the 20th regarding his visit to former President Yoon Suk-yeol that "I kept a promise I made since the party convention, and I showed basic human courtesy to our party's former president."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly that day, Chairman Jang responded to related questions by saying, "President Lee Jae-myung has the great political asset of being able to flip his words from morning to evening without any issue. However, politicians believe that keeping promises and maintaining trust are paramount."

Criticism regarding Chairman Jang's visit to former President Yoon has been raised not only by the ruling party but also within the party itself, deeming it inappropriate.

Regarding internal party criticism, he said, "I understand that a few individuals have different opinions, but that too comes from a desire for the party's well-being," adding, "As the party can have diverse opinions, I will look into it carefully."

In response to the Democratic Party holding a condemnation rally at the National Assembly that day criticizing his visit to former President Yoon, he commented, "It's pathetic that the Democratic Party is having all its lawmakers participate in a condemnation rally over this issue. They are reacting as if lost in delusion to cover up Kim Hyun-ji (Presidential Office Deputy Chief of Staff), but I don't think this is an issue that warrants such a reaction at all."

He added, "The Democratic Party will soon face a moment when they will need to visit a former president, and I will watch to see how the Democratic Party handles it then."

When asked about the content of the conversation during his visit to former President Yoon, Chairman Jang replied, "I will refer to what I wrote on Facebook. As you are well aware of the situation, all conversations during the 10-minute meeting are recorded and filmed. I believe what I wrote on Facebook is sufficient to explain the situation."

Earlier, on the 18th, the day after his visit, Chairman Jang posted a brief message on Facebook: "I visited former President Yoon yesterday morning. Even in difficult circumstances, he was firmly armed with Bible verses and prayer. Let us also unite and fight."

Regarding plans for further visits, Chairman Jang simply stated, "That seems like an inappropriate question given the current situation."

Concerning the strong pro-Yoon faction members raising issues with the "general visit" method rather than a "special visit," he said, "We had already applied for a special visit and it was denied. Since we did not apply for a general visit from the beginning, I question whether this is an appropriate criticism."

Yonhap News