Jang Dong-hyuk, Leader of the People Power Party, speaks at the 'National Rally to Restore Livelihoods and Defend the Rule of Law' held on Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 22nd. Yonhap News

The People Power Party (PPP) launched an outdoor public opinion campaign on the 22nd in Busan and Ulsan, aimed at rallying critical public sentiment against the Lee Jae-myung administration and expanding its support base, one year ahead of the December 3rd state of emergency incident.

The PPP plans to focus on the prosecution's abandonment of its appeal in the Daejang-dong case, touring the Yeongnam, Chungcheong, Gangwon, and Seoul metropolitan areas until December 2nd, under the theme 'Red Card for Livelihoods Against the Lee Jae-myung Regime'.

The PPP held the 'People Power Party National Rally to Restore Livelihoods and Defend the Rule of Law' on the afternoon of the 22nd on Gwangbokjungang-ro, Jung-gu, Busan. Approximately 8,000 people (according to party estimates) attended the event, where placards such as 'Resume Judicial Justice Trials' and 'Red Card for the Livelihood-Destroying Regime' were displayed.

Leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated, "Abandoning the appeal, which put 780 billion won into the pockets of the Daejang-dong gang, is abandoning the people. Money that could have been distributed to 910,000 Seongnam citizens at 860,000 won each was put into the bellies of criminals." He added, "This cancellation of the appeal was brought about by the President pressuring us not to file appeals carelessly, the Minister of Justice cautiously deciding on appeals, and the Vice Minister of Justice threatening to exercise investigative authority."

Regarding the Democratic Party's judicial reform proposals, he criticized President Lee Jae-myung by name, saying, "To acquit Lee Jae-myung, they plan to increase the number of Supreme Court justices to create an 'Lee Jae-myung Supreme Court'." He concluded by stating, "This is a regime that has abandoned democracy and the rule of law."

He continued, "This regime has not only abandoned the appeal in the Daejang-dong case but has also abandoned livelihoods and the economy. All of this is due to Lee Jae-myung alone," and declared, "When Lee Jae-myung tries to end South Korea, end liberal democracy, end the future of our youth, and end the rule of law, we must end the Lee Jae-myung regime."

He then remarked in relation to the 10th anniversary of former President Kim Young-sam's passing, "Former President Kim said that unity is the first, second, and third priority. It is time for us to unite and fight." He added, "Even if Lee Jae-myung twists our necks, the trial of Lee Jae-myung will surely begin."

Jang Dong-hyuk, Leader of the People Power Party, delivers a speech at the 'National Rally to Restore Livelihoods and Defend the Rule of Law' held in the old downtown area of Seongnam-dong, Jung-gu, Ulsan, on the afternoon of the 22nd. Yonhap News

Following Busan, the PPP also held a national rally in the evening on the 22nd on the young street of Jung-gu, Ulsan.

Leader Jang, targeting the ruling party's strong criticism of the so-called "Yoon-again" narrative, stated, "Now is the time to shout 'Lee Jae-myung Trial Again'." He added, "We must become stronger when they try to destroy us with special prosecutors and accusations of rebellion."

Regarding livelihood issues, he criticized, "Prices are soaring uncontrollably, and ordinary people are only sighing at their shopping carts." He described the government's consumption coupon policies and similar measures as those of a "mayfly regime living today by borrowing from future generations."

Some citizens attending the Ulsan national rally held megaphones and shouted "Yoon Suk-yeol's name," while others held up photos of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and cheered.

Before the national rally, Leader Jang also held an economic affairs briefing session at the Ulsan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The PPP's current public opinion campaign comes at a time when the ruling party is increasing its attacks on the PPP, using the one-year anniversary of the state of emergency as a pretext. For this reason, some political circles interpret this as the PPP attempting to preemptively gain the upper hand through public opinion warfare before the ruling party's offensive.

The PPP will continue its national rallies in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, on the 23rd.

Jang Dong-hyuk, Leader of the People Power Party, Supreme Council members, and PPP lawmakers from Busan attend the 'National Rally to Restore Livelihoods and Defend the Rule of Law' held on Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 22nd, shouting slogans. Yonhap News

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