[Lee Jun-seok Disciplinary Action] "I Will Not Step Down as Party Leader... Will Respond with Injunction and Reconsideration"

"Disciplinary Action Authority Lies with Party Leader... Decision on Hold"
Considering Whether to Hold Supreme Council Meeting Over the Weekend

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who appeared before the Central Ethics Committee to explain allegations of 'ordering the destruction of evidence related to sexual bribery,' is expressing his position as he leaves the National Assembly on the 8th. 2022.7.8 [Joint Coverage] [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who received an unprecedented severe punishment of '6 months suspension of party membership rights' as an incumbent party leader, stated on the 8th that he has "no intention of stepping down." Lee indicated that he plans to mobilize all possible means, including injunction applications and retrials, for a full-scale response.

Five hours after the party's Ethics Committee decision that day, Lee appeared on KBS Radio and firmly denied the possibility of resignation, saying, "I have no such intention." He added, "According to the Ethics Committee regulations, the authority to decide on disciplinary actions lies with the party leader. In cases where the situation is not reasonable, the party leader can withhold disciplinary actions."

Lee judged that the Ethics Committee's decision this time violated fairness. He said, "The precedent commonly accepted in politics so far is that the Ethics Committee issues decisions based on the results of investigations or ongoing trials. In my case, the severe punishment of a 6-month suspension of party membership rights was imposed even before any investigation procedures had started, which inevitably raises questions about fairness to the Ethics Committee."

For this reason, he also interpreted the Ethics Committee's decision as arbitrary. Lee pointed out, "There was no evidence or certainty that I instructed evidence destruction; it just seemed like I did based on the atmosphere. Such disciplinary action is somewhat difficult to understand."

Lee said, "Since the authority to decide on disciplinary actions lies with me, I will naturally accept the decision when it becomes reasonable, but under the current circumstances, I will consider injunctions, retrials, and other situations to take appropriate measures." Regarding whether he will hold the Supreme Council meetings, which are held every Monday and Thursday, he replied that he will decide over the weekend.

When asked whether People Power Party lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Jang Je-won were behind this Ethics Committee decision, he was cautious, saying, "There have been talks within the party that such a plan existed, but we will have to see."