PPP Ethics Committee Expels Jo Byunggil over Alleged Use of Redevelopment Information for Home Purchase

Kim Jonghyuk of the Pro-Han Donghoon Faction
No Disciplinary Action for 'Inciting Factional Conflict'

On November 3, the Central Ethics Committee of the People Power Party decided to expel Jo Byunggil, Mayor of Sasang-gu, Busan, who has been accused of purchasing a redevelopment house after obtaining prior information. Expulsion is the most severe disciplinary action under the party's regulations.

Chairman Yeo Sangwon stated at a press conference held at the party's central office in Yeouido on the same day, "For our party to function properly, we must not engage in actions regarding money that might arouse suspicion in the eyes of others." He emphasized that expulsion is the strongest level of disciplinary action within the People Power Party.

Yonhap News Agency

Mayor Jo purchased a house in Gwaebeop District 1 of Sasang-gu under joint ownership with his spouse in February. Subsequently, the area was officially designated as a redevelopment maintenance zone in May, and a promotion committee was formed in August. This sequence of events led to suspicions that Mayor Jo had obtained redevelopment information in advance.

Chairman Yeo explained, "Mayor Jo claimed that he had no speculative intent and that all matters were promoted by the residents, with the mayor's role limited to simply stamping documents." He added, "However, no matter how clean one believes oneself to be, if the residents do not perceive it that way, elected officials should not act in such a manner. Our hands must be clean if we are to hold others accountable."

The Ethics Committee decided not to impose disciplinary action on former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk, who is affiliated with the pro-Han Donghoon faction, despite a review over allegations of inciting factional conflict through broadcasts and social networking services (SNS).

Chairman Yeo conveyed, "There was consensus that issues such as corruption or speculation, which question a politician's suitability, must be strictly disciplined. However, in a democratic nation, freedom of expression and political opinions should be respected."

Regarding the fact that the party constitution's 'ban on factions' clause was not applied to former Supreme Council member Kim, Chairman Yeo remarked, "There has always been this level of commotion within the party," and added, "It is not right to discipline someone simply because one does not like a particular faction."