Election Committee Vows Strict Action
Against Disruptions to Order
The People Power Party Central Ethics Committee initiated disciplinary proceedings against Jeon Hangil, a conservative YouTuber and former Korean history instructor, on the 11th. The committee plans to reconvene on the 14th to determine whether disciplinary action will be taken and, if so, at what level.
Ye Sangwon, Chairman of the People Power Party Ethics Committee, met with reporters after the meeting at the party's central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "What we did today was to decide to initiate disciplinary proceedings," and added, "If the facts investigated by the party affairs audit office, which have been externally revealed and reported, are accurate, there is sufficient reason to begin disciplinary action."
Ye Sangwon, Chairman of the People Power Party Central Ethics Committee, is entering the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, to preside over the Central Ethics Committee meeting held on the 11th to discuss disciplinary action against Jeon Hangil. Photo by Yonhap News
The Ethics Committee plans to send Jeon an official letter this afternoon, requesting the submission of explanatory materials and attendance at the committee, which will be sent via registered mail. Chairman Ye estimated that this process would take about two to three days.
The Central Ethics Committee will reconvene at 10:30 a.m. on the 14th to decide whether to discipline Jeon and at what level. Chairman Ye said, "Contrary to expectations, there were circumstances today that prevented us from reaching a conclusion," and explained, "If Jeon attends, we will hear his explanation; if he does not, we will make a decision on disciplinary action and its severity based on the materials provided."
However, it remains uncertain whether a decision on disciplinary action will be made at the meeting on the 14th. Chairman Ye stated, "I cannot say for certain that a result will be reached that day," but also predicted, "Given the results of the materials submitted so far, it is likely that a decision on the level of disciplinary action will be made that day."
If the Ethics Committee determines that Jeon's actions constitute conduct detrimental to the party, it may decide on disciplinary measures such as expulsion, recommendation to leave the party, suspension of party membership, warning, or caution. Chairman Ye commented, "Speaking personally, not as the chairman, I do not think the disciplinary action will be light."
Chairman Ye continued, "The People Power Party is a democratic party where a wide spectrum of opinions is presented, not a single-pole system," and added, "Expressing opinions can be done democratically." However, he emphasized, "Jeon did not have the authority to speak that day," and stressed, "Expressions of opinion must be made through democratic procedures and methods." He further pointed out, "If, as reported by the media, someone shouts 'traitor' simply because they are dissatisfied while a joint debate is proceeding smoothly according to proper procedures, that disregards democratic process."
The People Power Party Election Management Committee also held a meeting that day to discuss measures to prevent clashes at the party convention. Party spokesperson Ham Inkyung told reporters after the meeting, "Disruptive behavior in the joint speech venue is unacceptable, and we strongly regret what happened," adding, "If further disruptions occur, we will take strict action."
The party's election committee decided to post an official notice at the event venue prohibiting disorderly conduct, such as causing major disturbances or loudly interrupting other candidates' speeches.
Regarding how Jeon entered the venue with a press badge for media coverage, the committee responded, "It appears he used a badge that had been distributed to another media outlet."
Previously, at a joint speech event held in Daegu on the 8th, Jeon repeatedly chanted "traitor" when a video introducing Kim Geunsik, a Supreme Council candidate from the pro-impeachment faction, included criticism of him. This escalated tensions in the venue, leading party members to shout and curse at each other. Jeon also encouraged applause when anti-impeachment candidates took the stage.
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