People Power Party Launches Investigation into 'Han Donghoon Family Involvement' Party Bulletin Board Incident

Party Affairs Audit Committee:
"Official Investigation Into Bulletin Board Controversy and Subsequent Actions"

The People Power Party's Party Affairs Audit Committee has launched an investigation into the so-called "Party Member Bulletin Board Incident," which involves allegations against the family of Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party.

Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

On November 28, the Party Affairs Audit Committee announced in a press release, "We have resolved to initiate an official investigation procedure into the controversies surrounding the party member bulletin board that occurred around November 5, 2024, and all subsequent actions taken in response."

The so-called "Party Bulletin Board Incident" refers to suspicions that Han Donghoon's family was involved in posts criticizing former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his spouse, which were uploaded to the People Power Party's member bulletin board in November of last year. Previously, Representative Jang Donghyuk stated after taking office that he would clarify the facts regarding the bulletin board issue.

A member of the party leadership said, "The Party Affairs Audit Committee is an independent body and has not been briefed on the details," adding, "Since his inauguration, Representative Jang has expressed his intention to get to the bottom of this issue."

Among Han Donghoon's close associates, there is reportedly a sense of discomfort. One lawmaker close to Han said, "It seems that Representative Jang is trying to divert attention to the bulletin board issue now that he is under pressure," adding, "I doubt any new findings will come from this investigation." Another lawmaker also criticized, "Why initiate the investigation at this particular time? This is nothing but internal strife."

It has also been confirmed that on November 26, the Party Affairs Audit Committee began disciplinary proceedings against Kim Jonghyuk, a former Supreme Council member and Han Donghoon's ally. The committee cited reasons such as Kim's remarks in media interviews that allegedly fueled internal division and contradicted the party's official stance, as well as his use of discriminatory language by labeling certain religions, including Shincheonji, as cults.