[Anchor]
The People Power Party has appointed comedian Lee Hyuk‑jae—who has drawn controversy over past assault allegations and other remarks—as a judge for its youth candidate selection, prompting public criticism.
Despite objections within the party, it went ahead with the final round of judging. With controversies mounting, the party’s sense of crisis ahead of the local elections has deepened.
This is reporter Da‑ye Jeong.
[Reporter]
Comedian Lee Hyuk‑jae served on the judging panel for the People Power Party’s final round of a youth audition aimed at selecting proportional‑representation candidates for regional assemblies.
Some party members criticized his past assault record and his so‑called "Yoon Again" remarks, but he remained on the panel.
「Lee Hyuk‑jae / Comedian」We will evaluate the candidates’ crisis‑response capabilities and how quick they are on their feet.
At the event, Lee made no substantive comments about the controversies surrounding him.
Instead, he called for unity around party leader Jang Dong‑hyuk, saying, "Young people protesting on the street are also valuable assets," and Jang effectively signaled his support.
「Jang Dong‑hyuk / People Power Party leader」I ask that you carry out today’s judging objectively and fairly.
The party said Lee had spent time reflecting and therefore ruled out dismissing him.
Regarding finalists connected to the "Yoon Again" controversy, the party said advancing them reflected a desire to embrace diversity and that it had already reaffirmed its commitment to a "no‑Yoon" resolution.
「Park Seong‑hoon / People Power Party chief spokesman」We have already articulated the party’s clear direction through the resolution adopted at the parliamentary party meeting.
Still, doubts persist about Leader Jang’s course.
According to reports, Jang recently voiced strong complaints that the party’s "no‑Yoon" resolution had driven some supporters away.
Meanwhile, critics centered in a small but influential faction argue that the decline in support stems from Jang’s repeated moves to the right.
Even the youth audition the People Power Party ambitiously launched to broaden its appeal has been mired in the "Yoon Again" controversy.
While the Democratic Party is pursuing an expansion strategy that even targets conservative strongholds, the People Power Party appears unable to shake off internal strife.
This is Da‑ye Jeong from Yonhap News TV.
[News Review]
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Da‑ye Jeong (yeye@yna.co.kr)
