PPP Ethics Committee Begins Deliberations on Disciplinary Action
Measures Taken to Prevent Further Clashes at the National Convention
The People Power Party's national convention has been mired in controversy from the outset, centered around Jeon Hangil, a conservative YouTuber and former Korean history lecturer. Although the party's Ethics Committee has initiated disciplinary proceedings, the aftermath continues as anti-impeachment leadership candidates rally to his defense.
On the morning of August 11, the People Power Party's Central Ethics Committee began deliberating disciplinary measures. The party's Election Management Committee also convened that day to discuss countermeasures to prevent further clashes at the convention.
The main focus of the Ethics Committee's discussion was the disturbance caused by Jeon at the joint speech event for party leader and supreme council candidates in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region on August 8. During the speech of a pro-impeachment candidate, Jeon shouted "traitor" and climbed onto a chair in protest. Supporters of the pro-impeachment candidate threw water bottles at Jeon, resulting in a physical altercation.
With joint regional speech events scheduled to continue from August 12, the Ethics Committee is expected to discuss disciplinary actions against Jeon in order to swiftly resolve the situation. Song Eonseok, the People Power Party's emergency committee chair and floor leader, stated that day, "Acts that damage the party's honor and incite division and conflict at the convention can never be tolerated."
If the Ethics Committee determines Jeon's actions constitute conduct detrimental to the party, it may decide on disciplinary measures such as expulsion, a recommendation to leave the party, suspension of party membership, or a warning. Regardless of the Ethics Committee's decision, the party leadership plans to strictly prohibit Jeon from entering the convention venue.
However, it remains uncertain whether disciplinary action will quell the controversy. As far-right controversies intensify during the party leader candidate debates, anti-impeachment candidates continue to defend Jeon. On August 10, following the televised debate for party leader candidates, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo stated, "Disciplinary action is not the answer," defending Jeon. Representative Jang Donghyuk also said, "I cannot agree with efforts to demonize Jeon Hangil as a single individual."
Criticism has also emerged from the ruling party. This is not unrelated to the Democratic Party of Korea's efforts to adopt the end of insurrection as a catchphrase and boost its momentum for reform. Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae criticized the situation surrounding the People Power Party's convention, stating, "(The People Power Party) remains, even at this moment, a party harboring the ringleader of insurrection."
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