Lee Yang-hee, Chair of the Democratic Party Ethics Committee, "'Regardless of Rank' Statement Not Targeting Lee Jun-seok"

"Thoroughly Exclude Political Considerations," Reiterated
"Ethics Committee Actions Should Be Seen as Maintaining Party Discipline"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Lee Yang-hee, Chairperson of the People Power Party Ethics Committee, stated on the 22nd that the Ethics Committee's position statement released on the 19th “was absolutely not aimed at any specific individual, including party member Lee Jun-seok.”

Before the Ethics Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd, Chairperson Lee told reporters, “Recently, the media has been interpreting it as targeting someone,” and clarified this was not the case.

Earlier, on the 19th, the Ethics Committee stated in its position paper, “Regardless of rank or status, any party member who repeatedly violates the party’s dignity by making political statements that damage the party’s prestige, insult or defame others, or incite factional conflicts will be strictly reviewed without exception, more rigorously than ever before.” Following this, there were interpretations that this was a warning directed at former leader Lee Jun-seok amid talks of possible additional disciplinary action against him.

Chairperson Lee emphasized, “Any People Power Party member expressing their political stance after the 19th will be handled with great caution regarding violations of the party’s constitution and regulations,” adding, “Political considerations will be completely excluded.”

She continued, “Freedom of political expression is a right that must be guaranteed,” but also stressed, “Measures taken as a result of violations of the People Power Party’s constitution and regulations do not infringe upon freedom of political expression; rather, they should be seen as actions to maintain party discipline, promote party spirit, and enhance ethical awareness, which is a reasonable judgment.” She added, “It is expected that all People Power Party members will uphold a sound political discussion culture through more rational and reasonable words and actions, meeting the expectations and trust of the public and party members.”

On this day, the Ethics Committee was convened to discuss the initiation of disciplinary procedures against Assemblyman Kim Seong-won, who caused controversy over inappropriate remarks at a flood recovery site on the 12th.