PPP Ethics Committee Issues Warning to Jeon Hangil... Disciplinary Cases for Kwon Youngse and Lee Yangsoo to Be Reconsidered in September (Comprehensive)

Unable to Reach a Decision on Disciplinary Action for Kwon and Lee Over Presidential Candidate Replacement Controversy
"Final Discussion Scheduled for September 4... All Options Remain Open"
Jeon Hangil Receives Warning for Causing Disturbance at Party Convention

On August 14, the Ethics Committee of the People Power Party decided to issue a "warning," the lowest level of disciplinary action, against Jeon Hangil, a conservative YouTuber and former Korean history lecturer, for causing a disturbance at the party's joint convention speech event. The committee also decided to revisit the disciplinary requests against lawmakers Kwon Youngse and Lee Yangsoo, who had previously been recommended for a three-year suspension of party membership due to the presidential candidate replacement controversy during the last presidential election, on September 4.

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

Ye Sangwon, Chairman of the People Power Party Central Ethics Committee, is entering the central party office on August 14, 2025, to preside over the Central Ethics Committee meeting to discuss disciplinary action against Jeon Hangil. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The Ethics Committee explained that it considered factors such as the absence of physical violence and issues of fairness. Chairman Ye emphasized, "We searched for precedent cases of disciplinary action regarding incidents like this but could not find any," adding, "This is a political issue that should be resolved politically, not legally."

Jeon's explanation and his promise to prevent recurrence also influenced the decision. Jeon appeared before the committee that day and presented his position for 15 minutes. Chairman Ye explained, "After hearing his explanation, we confirmed that there were discrepancies between the facts stated in the disciplinary request and Jeon's own account. We accepted his apology and received assurances that such an incident would not happen again."

Before the committee meeting, Jeon told reporters, "I joined in the chants because I could no longer tolerate the calls of 'traitor' coming from party members," and added, "I will accept the disciplinary outcome, but as an ordinary party member, I believe it is not right to impose discipline during the party convention."

There were differing opinions within the Ethics Committee regarding the severity of the disciplinary action. However, no one argued for a penalty higher than a warning. Chairman Ye explained, "Opinions were divided between those who questioned whether this warranted any disciplinary action at all, and those who agreed that discipline was necessary but preferred the lowest level, which is a warning. We decided on a warning because, although democratic procedures must be followed within the party, merely issuing a caution could lead to a recurrence of such incidents."

The committee also determined that Kim Geunsik, a candidate for the Supreme Council of the People Power Party whom Jeon had requested be disciplined, could not be subject to disciplinary action. Chairman Ye stated, "Because it could affect the election, no disciplinary action can be taken until the official election is over."

The committee was unable to reach a decision regarding disciplinary action against lawmakers Kwon and Lee, who had been recommended for a three-year suspension of party membership by the Party Affairs Audit Committee. Chairman Ye reported, "There was intense debate, as the decision could vary depending on one's political perspective." He explained that because a three-year suspension would effectively bar them from running in the 2028 general election-amounting to a near-permanent political ban-the committee could not simply follow the Party Affairs Audit Committee's recommendation without further consideration.

The Ethics Committee plans to make a final decision on disciplinary action through an in-depth discussion on September 4. All possibilities, from whether to impose discipline to the level of severity, will be considered. Chairman Ye stated, "There needs to be discussion and conceptual clarification regarding the scope of the presidential candidate's authority over party affairs. After the discussion, the Ethics Committee members will carefully consider the outcome before making a decision on disciplinary action."