PPP Initiates Disciplinary Action Against Han Gil Jeon... Rift Deepens Between Pro- and Anti-Impeachment Factions (Comprehensive)

The People Power Party announced on the 9th that it has decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against YouTuber Han Gil Jeon after conflicts and disturbances broke out under his lead during the joint speech meeting at the party convention held in Daegu. In response, pro-impeachment candidates Ahn Cheolsoo and Cho Kyungtae demanded severe disciplinary action, calling for Jeon’s expulsion from the party, while anti-impeachment candidates Kim Moonsoo and Jang Donghyuk objected, calling the measure "unfair."

The People Power Party convened an emergency meeting of the emergency response committee in the morning, stating, "The Daegu and Gyeongbuk provincial party committees have requested strict action at the central party level regarding Jeon's actions that disrupted the joint speech meeting held yesterday, citing interference with the event and party operations," and explained that this decision had been made.

Jang Donghyuk, Cho Kyungtae, Kim Moonsu, and Ahn Cheolsoo (from left) who ran for the People Power Party leadership election are taking a group photo at the People Power Party's 6th National Convention Daegu-Gyeongbuk joint speech meeting held at EXCO in Buk-gu, Daegu on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News

The party continued, "Accordingly, an emergency meeting of the emergency response committee was held this morning," adding, "The investigation into party member Jeon Yugwan (stage name Han Gil Jeon) will be transferred from the Seoul Metropolitan Party Ethics Committee to the Central Ethics Committee, and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated."

The party also stated, "Acting Emergency Response Committee Chairperson Song Eonseok has requested the swift convening of the Ethics Committee in accordance with Article 11 of the Ethics Committee Regulations," and added, "The Ethics Committee has been urged to reach a prompt conclusion to prevent further confusion at the party convention."

Korean history instructor Han Gil Jeon is attending the People Power Party's 6th National Convention Daegu-Gyeongbuk Joint Speech Meeting held at EXCO in Buk-gu, Daegu on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, on July 21, Song had instructed the Seoul Metropolitan Party to review and investigate Jeon's words and actions, noting that there had been various opinions regarding Jeon's recent party membership issue.

On the previous day, at the joint speech meeting in Daegu, Jeon led party members in chanting "traitor" during the speeches of pro-impeachment candidates. As tensions escalated, shouting matches and physical altercations broke out among supporters.

Song announced through emergency instructions on the afternoon of the previous day that "those who caused confusion, including Jeon, and any individuals without delegate qualifications will be banned from entering all future party convention events."

The decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Jeon has divided the People Power Party internally.

Ahn Cheolsoo, a leading pro-impeachment candidate, wrote on his Facebook page that day, "One bad apple is muddying the waters everywhere," and added, "Chairperson Song and the Election Commission should conduct a party audit regarding the controversy involving Han Gil Jeon that occurred yesterday and expel Jeon from the party."

Cho Kyungtae also wrote on his Facebook page, "I hope the party leadership will take immediate expulsion measures, not just ban entry to the joint speech meeting," and added, "How could those chanting 'Yoon Again' possibly help the People Power Party? This is clearly an act of election interference."

On the other hand, Kim Moonsoo, an anti-impeachment candidate, criticized the party leadership’s decision, saying, "Issuing warnings only to certain individuals is clearly insufficient," and added, "Should we really be pointing our guns at our own people by treating insiders as the main enemy?"

Jang Donghyuk commented, "I cannot agree with attempts to demonize Han Gil Jeon and tie him to a far-right frame starting with this party convention," and added, "The standards and weight of disadvantageous measures must always be fair to everyone."