Former President Park Geun-hye (left) visited the sit-in protest site in the National Assembly Rotunda Hall to request that Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, end his hunger strike. [Photo = Yonhap News]  

Former President Park Geun-hye visited Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, who has been on an 8-day hunger strike demanding special probes into "Mooniegate and the Democratic Party's nomination bribery scandal," and requested him to end his hunger strike on the 22nd. 

Around 11:20 AM on this day, former President Park made a surprise visit to the hunger strike site set up in the National Assembly Main Building's Rotunda Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. 

This was former President Park's first visit to the National Assembly in approximately four years, since President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration ceremony in May 2022. Floor Leader Song Eon-seok and lawmaker Yoo Young-ha were present to greet former President Park upon her arrival.

Jang Dong-hyuk, who was lying in a tent due to his weakened state from the hunger strike, was helped up by those around him to meet with former President Park. Former President Park held Jang's hand and offered words of comfort and encouragement.

Former President Park criticized the government and the ruling party's lack of response and highly praised Jang's struggle.

Former President Park pointed out, “It is an unacceptable situation in terms of political ethics that the government and the ruling party have shown no reaction despite the party leader's hunger strike.”

She emphasized, “The public will recognize the sincerity of a politician who fought for what they believed was right with their life, rather than condemning it as a hunger strike that achieved nothing.”

She also expressed concern about his deteriorating health. Former President Park repeatedly requested, “I was very worried to hear that you were only consuming water and salt during your hunger strike. If you continue, your body will be damaged, making recovery difficult. Please promise me you will stop your hunger strike today for the sake of your future.”

In response, Jang officially stated his intention to end the hunger strike by replying, “Yes, I will do so.” 

Former President Park said, “Thank you. There will be a day we meet again once you have recovered your health,” and left the National Assembly around 11:30 AM after concluding her brief visit.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee