On Thursday, Jang Dong Hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, was rushed to the hospital after ending his eight-day hunger strike. Upon arrival at the emergency room, he received urgent care before undergoing comprehensive medical examinations. While Jang is able to communicate briefly, he’s reporting chest pain, prompting doctors to prioritize cardiac tests.
Rep. Seo Myung Ok, a physician-turned-politician from the People Power Party, briefed reporters outside a Seoul hospital’s ER, saying that Jang had regained consciousness and was able to engage in basic conversation. She noted that hospital visits were currently limited to the Secretary General, Jeong Hee Yong, the Chief of Staff, Park Jun Tae, and a few key aides.
Seo explained that the medical team was initiating thorough tests to assess potential organ damage—including the brain, heart, and kidneys—that could result from Jang’s extended fast, adding that it could take considerable time before conclusive results were available.
While test outcomes were still pending, Seo said the immediate crisis appeared to have passed, though further in-depth examinations might be necessary after admission. Regarding the length of Jang’s hospitalization, she noted that some tests were time-consuming and that the duration would depend on those results.
Addressing Jang’s accommodations, Seo clarified that he was being treated and tested in a separate area rather than in a negative-pressure room. On Jang’s chest pain, she emphasized that it was the primary concern, explaining that while there could be various causes, cardiac evaluations were being prioritized given the potential severity.
Earlier at the National Assembly, Seo said Jang had decided to end his hunger strike after medical staff strongly advised him to stop, citing dangerously low oxygen levels and vital signs indicating an imminent risk of brain and organ damage. She added that moderate political figures and former President Park Geun-hye had gently urged Jang to pause, stressing the importance of his health for future political battles.
As he concluded his hunger strike, Jang declared that public outrage against Lee Jae Myung’s corrupt administration and the Democratic Party would ignite like wildfire starting that day, a sentiment he reiterated in a Facebook post, writing that although he was ending his fast, the people’s fury against corrupt power would blaze like wildfire from that moment on.