People Power Party Forms Ethics Committee Targeting Han Donghoon... Begins Disciplinary Action over Party Bulletin Board Controversy

Seven Members Appointed, Chair to Be Elected by Committee
Factional Conflict Inevitable Amid Pro-Han Opposition

The People Power Party appointed seven members to the Central Ethics Committee on January 5. With the selection of the Ethics Committee Chair expected to be finalized soon, the disciplinary process regarding the controversy on the party member bulletin board involving former leader Han Donghoon is anticipated to accelerate.

On the morning of January 5, the People Power Party held a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly and approved the formation of the Ethics Committee. After the meeting, party spokesperson Cho Yongsul told reporters, "The agenda to appoint seven ethics committee members has passed," adding, "The list of members is currently not public."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on January 5, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The Ethics Committee Chair will be selected by the seven committee members themselves, after which leader Jang will make the final nomination. Spokesperson Cho explained, "To ensure fairness, the chair will be elected by the members," and added, "The party leader was determined to form the Ethics Committee with strict standards." Until now, the chair has been directly appointed by the party leader.

With the Ethics Committee that will determine the level of disciplinary action against former leader Han now formed, intra-party factional strife is expected to intensify. A lawmaker classified as pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) strongly objected in a phone call, saying, "No matter how many lawmakers demand a change in direction from leader Jang, nothing changes," and "Things are heading in an extremely abnormal direction."

Meanwhile, Kim Doeup, Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party, tendered his resignation on this day, just four months after joining the Jang Donghyuk leadership. In a statement, Kim said, "I understand that leader Jang is preparing plans for party change and reform," and added, "I believe my role ends here." Kim, who represents a district in Busan, is being mentioned as a potential People Power Party candidate for Busan mayor.