Baek Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party, is attending a general meeting of lawmakers held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on February 23 2026.2.23 / News1

On April 12, Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party, sharply criticized party leader Jang Dong-hyuk for his U.S. trip, stating that he's a party leader who halts all nominations and flies to America just because no one is inviting him.

Bae, who chairs the party's Seoul chapter, wrote on Facebook, Does he intend to remain a burden to the candidates until the very end?

She continued that she can't fathom why he chose this moment to visit the U.S. At the very least, he should have delegated the authority to swiftly approve nomination proposals from regional party committees to the remaining senior party officials. Bae pointed out that the nomination process for candidates from 17 regional chapters will be stalled for a week due to Jang's unexplained U.S. trip.

She further criticized that while Jung Chung-rae of the Democratic Party is making waves across the country, who could possibly understand a party leader who suspends nominations and jets off to America simply because he's not in demand?

Earlier, Jang departed for Washington, D.C. on the morning of April 11, three days ahead of schedule. Chief spokesperson Choi Bo-yun explained that after the U.S. visit was announced, numerous requests for meetings came from various American sectors, prompting an early departure. This presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance and address economic issues affecting people's livelihoods.

On April 12, Bae Hyun-jin, a member of the People Power Party, sharply criticized party le …

Korean Politics at a Standstill: How Jang Dong-hyuk's U.S.Visit Affects Candidate Selections