Song Eonseok Orders Review of Appropriate Measures Amid Jeon Hangil Admission Controversy

"No Need to Make a Fuss" → "Reviewing Measures"
Song Eonseok Responds to Internal Opposition: "I Understand Your Concerns"

Song Eonseok, the interim leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 18th that he had "ordered a review of appropriate measures" regarding Jeon Hangil, a former Korean history instructor with far-right tendencies whose recent admission to the party has sparked controversy.

Korean history instructor Han Gil Jeon attended the "Citizens Protecting Citizens! National Investigation Team Launch Ceremony" held on April 16 at the Press Center International Conference Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, posing for a commemorative photo with guests. Photo by Yonhap News

On his social networking service (SNS) Facebook account that day, Song said, "I am listening to and gathering various opinions regarding Jeon Hangil," adding, "I have ordered a review of appropriate measures in accordance with the party's constitution and regulations, along with a verification of Jeon Hangil's words and actions."

He continued, "As interim leader, I am well aware of your concerns," and added, "I will move forward step by step so that our party can once again earn the trust and support of the people. I ask you to trust and watch over the People Power Party."

Previously, the People Power Party announced that Jeon had joined the party online under his real name at the Seoul Metropolitan Chapter on the 8th of last month.

The previous day, Song commented on this matter, saying, "In principle, unless there is a record of expulsion or withdrawal, eligibility screening is neither mandatory nor easy to conduct for every individual applicant," and added, "There is no need to make a fuss over one person's admission to the party."

However, as internal opposition grew over Jeon's admission?due to his association with the "Yoon Suk-yeol Again" movement and his advocacy of election fraud theories?Song is now seen as having issued a follow-up statement.

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon also wrote on Facebook, "We must consider how the public will view the admission of someone like instructor Jeon Hangil, who is an icon of 'election fraud conspiracy theories' and the 'Yoon Suk-yeol Again' movement, into the People Power Party," adding, "Our party does not support election fraud conspiracy theories. Are we mistaken about this?"

Representative Kim Yongtae, who previously served as interim leader, also stated, "If I had known about this at the time as interim leader, I would have convened the party membership eligibility review committee to block his admission," and demanded, "Immediately expel Jeon Hangil, who advocates election fraud and defends martial law."