People Power Party's Disciplinary Recommendation for Kim Jonghyuk Sparks Controversy
Na Kyungwon: "There were excessive remarks... but it's a bit disappointing"
Jang Donghyuk: "We must take strict action and unite"
While the People Power Party's Party Affairs Audit Committee has recommended a severe disciplinary action of a "two-year suspension of party membership rights" against former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk, who is classified as part of the pro-Han Donghoon faction, Assemblywoman Na Kyungwon expressed her regret, questioning, "Was this really the right timing?" In an interview on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" on the 17th, Na commented on Kim, saying, "Everyone can express their own opinions, but I recall that he often made excessive remarks, especially when it came to denouncing the party as a whole." She added, "Right now, we are resisting everything from the special court for insurrection cases to the five major judicial destruction bills and the three major gag bills. This is a time when we need to unite all our party forces, but I worry that pro-faction members might oppose this."
Na Kyung-won, a member of the People Power Party, expressed concern about the recommendation for severe disciplinary action against former Supreme Council member Kim Jong-hyuk, saying, "This is a time when we need to unite all our party forces, but I worry that pro-faction members might oppose it."
The Party Affairs Audit Committee is also currently investigating the so-called "party member bulletin board controversy," which involves allegations related to the family of former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon. The controversy centers on suspicions that, last year, anonymous users with the same names as Han's family members posted numerous messages criticizing former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife on the party's bulletin board. Regarding this, Na stated, "Any suspicions raised by party members must be clarified transparently, and this is an issue that needs to be addressed at least once. If there is any wrongdoing, I believe former leader Han Donghoon should also apologize." She added, "There is no need to drag this matter out any longer, but it is a bit disappointing since now is the time to unite our party's strength."
The People Power Party's Audit Committee has decided on a severe disciplinary action of "2-year suspension of party membership rights" against Kim Jonghyuk, a former Supreme Council member classified as pro-Han Donghoon faction. Yonhap News
On the 11th, former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk made public his written response to the Party Affairs Audit Committee by posting it on his social media account. The response, which was submitted on the 10th, included statements such as, "Critical commentary on the actions of Representative Jang Donghyuk is something anyone can do in a political party in a liberal democracy," and, "I have never compared all party members to delusional patients." By releasing the document, Kim stated, "If you read the response, you can judge for yourself who is speaking nonsense."
In response, Lee Hoseon, Chairman of the Party Affairs Audit Committee, countered by making public the disciplinary recommendation document. The document pointed out, "Former Supreme Council member Kim, holding an official title, appeared in external media and compared the party to the North Korean Workers' Party, thereby denying its identity. He also labeled fellow party members as 'delusional patients' and insulted the legitimately elected party leader by calling him 'someone who sold his soul.'" The document further warned, "If such actions are repeated in the future, expulsion, the highest level of disciplinary action, cannot be ruled out."
People Power Party's Party Affairs Audit Committee Chairman Lee Hoseon is explaining on the 16th at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the recommendation to suspend former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk's party membership for two years. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 16th, former leader Han Donghoon responded on social media, stating, "Democracy cannot be stoned to death." This was in criticism of Chairman Lee, who had previously targeted Han and the pro-faction members by saying, "If a cow is in the habit of goring and, despite its owner being warned, the owner fails to restrain it and the cow kills someone, both the cow will be stoned to death and the owner will also be killed."
On the 17th, People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk commented on the recommendation for severe disciplinary action against Kim Jonghyuk, saying, "During the party convention, I mentioned that 'one enemy inside is scarier than fifty enemies outside.' It is much more important for the party to take strict measures against those involved in such acts and to unite as one to fight together."
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