PPP asks leader Jang to halt fast

Senior lawmakers of the People Power Party, including floor leader Song Eon-seok, meet party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, who has been on a hunger strike for seven days, at the National Assembly Rotunda on Jan. 21 to discuss the direction of the protest. / Yonhap

The People Power Party (PPP) on Tuesday formally urged its leader Jang Dong-hyuk to end his hunger strike, now in its seventh day, citing rapidly deteriorating health.

Kwak Gyu-taek, the party’s chief spokesperson, told reporters after an emergency lawmakers’ meeting that all members voiced serious concerns about Jang’s condition and agreed to strongly recommend that he stop fasting.

Senior lawmakers, including floor leader Song Eon-seok, visited Jang after the meeting and requested that he end the strike, even calling an ambulance. Jang, however, firmly refused the transfer.

“His health condition is very poor right now,” Song said. “If the hunger strike continues, there could be side effects. All lawmakers agreed that he should stop.”

Song added that Jang’s intent—pressing for acceptance of the dual special prosecutor bills—had been sufficiently conveyed not only to the ruling party and the government but also to the public. “Now he should go to the hospital, recover his health, and regroup to continue a strong political fight,” he said.

Lawmaker Na Kyung-won echoed the call, saying, “If the health of the person representing our party worsens, there will be no one to lead it. Our view is that the leader should stop.”

ⓒ "젊은 파워, 모바일 넘버원 아시아투데이"