PPP Ethics Committee Issues Warning to Jeon Hangil for 'Convention Disturbance'... "Pledge to Prevent Recurrence" (Updated)

"No Precedent Found... A Matter to Be Resolved Politically"
Jeon Appears Before Ethics Committee, Offers Explanation and Pledges to Prevent Recurrence

The Ethics Committee of the People Power Party decided on August 14 to issue a "warning," the lowest level of disciplinary action, against Jeon Hangil, a conservative YouTuber and former Korean history instructor, who caused a disturbance during the joint speech session at the party convention.

Young Sangwon, Chairman of the People Power Party Ethics Committee, stated during a briefing held at the central party office in Yeouido that afternoon, "There were differing opinions among the committee members, and the warning was decided by majority vote."

The Ethics Committee explained that it considered the absence of physical violence and issues of fairness. Chairman Young noted, "We looked for precedents for disciplinary action in similar cases but found none," and added, "This is a matter to be resolved politically, not legally."

Young Sangwon, Chairman of the People Power Party Central Ethics Committee, is entering the central party office on the 14th to preside over the Central Ethics Committee meeting to discuss disciplinary action against Jeon Hangil. 2025.8.14 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jeon's explanation and his promise to prevent a recurrence also influenced the decision. Jeon appeared before the committee that day and presented his position for 15 minutes. Chairman Young explained, "After hearing his explanation, it was confirmed that the facts stated in the disciplinary request differed from those presented by Jeon," and added, "We received his apology and confirmation that such an incident will not happen again."

Before the committee meeting, Jeon told reporters, "Chants of 'traitor' erupted from the party member seats, and I could not hold back, so I joined in the chants. I will accept the disciplinary decision, but as an ordinary party member, I believe it is not right to impose disciplinary action during the convention."

There were differing opinions among the committee members regarding the level of disciplinary action. However, there were no opinions calling for a disciplinary measure more severe than a warning. Chairman Young elaborated, "Some questioned whether Jeon's actions warranted disciplinary action at all, while others agreed that disciplinary action was necessary but that it should be limited to a warning, the lowest level. If we had simply issued a caution, similar incidents could occur again, so we decided on a warning to uphold democratic procedures within the party."

The committee also determined that Kim Geunsik, a candidate for the People Power Party's Supreme Council, whom Jeon had requested to be disciplined, could not be subject to disciplinary action. Chairman Young stated, "Because it could affect the election, disciplinary action cannot be taken until the official election is over."