PPP Audit Committee: "Han Donghoon Responsible for Bulletin Board Incident"
Disciplinary Decision Deferred to Ethics Committee... Final Choice Rests with Jang
Within the People Power Party’s Party Affairs Audit Committee, signs of internal strife are emerging as the committee holds former leader Han Donghoon accountable for the so-called party member bulletin board controversy. Since the appointment of the Central Ethics Committee chair, who holds the authority to impose disciplinary action, remains pending, the final decision now rests with Chairman Jang Donghyuk, who holds the power of appointment.
On December 30, the Party Affairs Audit Committee stated in a press release, “The investigation into the party member bulletin board found that the problematic accounts were under the names of five members of former leader Han’s family. It was also confirmed that 87.6% of all posts were written from just two IP addresses.” The committee added, “Through digital pattern analysis, it was confirmed that former leader Han bears at least managerial responsibility.” The committee decided to submit the investigation results to the Ethics Committee without recommending disciplinary action against Han.
Immediately after the committee’s announcement, former leader Han Donghoon, speaking on SBS Radio, admitted for the first time that he later learned some posts on the party member bulletin board had been made by his family. Han stated, “I was unaware at the time, but if you believe this is an issue for which I should be criticized, I will accept that.” However, he denied the committee’s finding that he personally posted under his own name and indicated he would pursue legal action.
The mood within the party suggests the internal conflict may intensify. Kim Minsu, Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, said on YTN Radio, “If we embrace everyone with different values, we cannot build a strong party. If a former party leader acted irresponsibly, it will be difficult to move forward together.” Jang Yechang, Vice President of the Yeouido Institute, also argued on social media, “At this level, it is shameful enough to warrant retirement from politics.” In contrast, pro-Han (Han Donghoon) lawmakers such as Jeong Seongguk, Park Jeongha, and Bae Hyunjin strongly objected, saying, “At a time when there are plenty of issues to attack the opposition with, this is internal strife,” and voiced strong resistance.
The final decision now lies with Chairman Jang. Since the Ethics Committee chair and other positions remain vacant, the direction of the conflict surrounding the party member bulletin board controversy will depend on whom Chairman Jang appoints.
Some suggest that if former leader Han expresses an apology regarding the controversy, there may be a possibility of resolving the conflict through political compromise. One two-term lawmaker said, “We cannot continue with division and conflict. Both sides should let this go and move on.” However, the pro-Han faction is drawing a clear line. A close aide to former leader Han stated, “A sufficient statement was already made yesterday,” and expressed a strong stance, saying, “Those who spread false information or fabricate facts will be held fully accountable.”
As a result, there is growing speculation that Chairman Jang will soon resolve the party member bulletin board issue by appointing an Ethics Committee chair. A key figure within the party leadership commented, “There is already a sense that the timing has been delayed. Given Chairman Jang’s strong will to put this issue behind us, if there is a suitable candidate, I believe the appointment of the Ethics Committee chair will be finalized.”
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