Different Backlashes Expected Depending on Ethics Committee Disciplinary Decision
Significant Aftermath Anticipated Regardless of Outcome
Delaying May Worsen Public Opinion, Conclusion Expected Today
Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, attends a high-level party-government consultation meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 6th, wearing a serious expression. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
[Asia Economy reporters Lee Hyun-joo and Geum Bo-ryeong] Tensions are rising within the People Power Party ahead of the Central Ethics Committee's review regarding allegations that party leader Lee Jun-seok instructed the destruction of evidence related to sexual bribery. Regardless of whether the Ethics Committee decides to discipline Lee or the severity of any sanctions, backlash is expected, increasing the likelihood of intensified internal party conflict. Lee and party leadership figures, including floor leader Kwon Seong-dong, have canceled the scheduled Supreme Council meeting, marking a tense day.
The key issue at the People Power Party Ethics Committee meeting at 7 p.m. is whether Lee Jun-seok violated the duty to maintain dignity by allegedly instructing the destruction of evidence related to sexual bribery. Lee is expected to appear in person before the Ethics Committee to explain the allegations. Previously, the Ethics Committee decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Kim Cheol-geun, the party leader’s political secretary, for violating the duty to maintain dignity. With Kim’s disciplinary process underway, it is anticipated that Lee will also face disciplinary steps at today’s meeting.
Since prolonging the process could negatively impact President Yoon Seok-yeol’s approval ratings, the prevailing view is that the Ethics Committee will reach a conclusion on the allegations against Lee today. However, it is widely expected that significant repercussions will follow regardless of the outcome.
The Ethics Committee’s disciplinary measures include four levels: warning, suspension of party membership rights, recommendation to leave the party, and expulsion. If a severe sanction such as suspension of party membership rights is imposed, Lee is likely to resist. Although it would be difficult for him to maintain his leadership position, he is expected to endure and may appeal or request a retrial. Lee’s side is currently denying all related allegations. Kim Cheol-geun posted on Facebook that he "never destroyed evidence" and questioned whether an unconfirmed suspicion of evidence destruction could constitute grounds for disciplinary action for violating the duty to maintain dignity.
According to current party rules, a new party leader must be elected within 60 days if the position becomes vacant. If Lee receives a three-month suspension of party membership rights, an early party convention would be inevitable. A People Power Party official said, "It would be difficult to complete the retrial process within two months."
On the 7th, ahead of the review regarding the allegations of 'ordering the destruction of evidence related to sexual bribery' against Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party's Central Ethics Committee, a party official is seen leaving the party leader's office at the National Assembly. Meanwhile, the highest committee meeting presided over by Lee, which was scheduled to be held that day, was canceled due to a lack of quorum. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@
On the other hand, if Lee receives a not-guilty verdict or a minor sanction such as a warning, the ‘pro-Yoon Seok-yeol (Pro-Yoon)’ faction, which opposes Lee, may strongly react. With Lee effectively cleared, he is expected to push forward with his reform policies, likely increasing friction. A lawmaker identified as part of the Pro-Yoon faction said, "I understand that over 90% of the lawmakers oppose Lee," indicating their intent to continue pushing for his resignation.
However, some speculate that the Ethics Committee might delay its decision until the police investigation results related to the allegations are released. A political insider said, "They might listen to Lee’s explanation and then reconvene the Ethics Committee later to gauge public opinion," adding, "If Lee is dismissed, President Yoon and the ruling party’s approval ratings will worsen."
Conscious of the potential fallout, the People Power Party staged a tense atmosphere from early morning. The Supreme Council meeting, regularly held every Monday and Thursday under Lee’s leadership, was canceled due to a lack of quorum. Supreme Council member Bae Hyun-jin continued her boycott, and floor leader Kwon Seong-dong and policy committee chairman Sung Il-jong also declined to attend, citing their participation in the National Fiscal Strategy Meeting at Chungbuk National University. Lee reportedly suggested not holding the meeting ahead of the Ethics Committee session. Lee did not appear at the National Assembly that morning.
Within the party, it is believed that cracks in the support base have already begun. The conflict between the 2030 generation, which emerged around the time Lee was elected party leader and during the presidential primary, and the traditional People Power Party supporters in their 60s and 70s is becoming more apparent. A party lawmaker said, "I have received many messages from supporters presumed to be in their 20s and 30s asking to protect Lee," while another lawmaker reported, "There are many calls in my constituency to immediately oust Lee."
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