People Power Party Leadership Candidates Divided Over Jeon Hangil's Disciplinary Action: "Immediate Expulsion" vs "Respect for Ethics Committee"

Ahn Cheolsoo, Cho Kyungtae: "Regret Over Warning, Accountability Needed"
Kim Moonsu, Jang Donghyuk: "Respect for Independent Ethics Committee's Decision"

Candidates for the People Power Party leadership have offered differing opinions regarding Jeon Hangil, a conservative YouTuber and former Korean history instructor who received a warning disciplinary action for causing a disturbance at the party convention joint speech session. Candidates in favor of impeachment ("Chantan" candidates) argued that severe disciplinary measures such as expulsion or forced resignation are necessary, while candidates opposed to impeachment ("Bantan" candidates) stated that they respect the decision of the party's Ethics Committee.

On August 14, Representative Ahn Cheolsoo met with reporters after the joint speech session for the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, and Jeju at the People Power Party Central Office in Yeouido, and said, "A light disciplinary action was issued, which is contrary to my opinion," adding, "I regret this decision."

Ahn Cheolsoo (from left), Kim Moonsu, Cho Kyungtae, and Jang Donghyuk, candidates for the party leader of the People Power Party, are taking a commemorative photo at the 6th Party Convention joint speech meeting for the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, and Jeju held at the People Power Party Central Office in Yeouido, Seoul on August 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Representative Ahn, who had previously argued that Jeon should be forced to leave the party, asserted, "If I become party leader and another incident involving Jeon occurs, it would be appropriate to convene the Ethics Committee again for a review."

Cho Kyungtae, another Chantan candidate, directed criticism at the Ethics Committee for its decision of light disciplinary action. Representative Cho stated, "A highly unusual disturbance occurred at the sacred party convention, and issuing only a light disciplinary action means the Ethics Committee is unqualified," adding, "If I become party leader, I will conduct a party audit of the Ethics Committee and hold them accountable."

He also insisted that Jeon should be immediately expelled from the party. Representative Cho said, "The party leadership lacks a proper commitment to maintaining order in campaign activities," and declared, "If I become party leader, I will expel Jeon without hesitation."

In contrast, Bantan candidates Kim Moonsu, former Minister of Employment and Labor, and Representative Jang Donghyuk did not express specific opinions regarding the Ethics Committee’s decision.

Former Minister Kim stated, "There must be grounds for the Ethics Committee's decision," and added, "It is not my place to judge." Representative Jang likewise commented, "The Ethics Committee is an independent body within the party," and said, "It would not be appropriate for me to express any opinion on their decision."