People Power Party Ethics Committee Announces at 1 a.m.: Han Donghoon Expelled in Highest-Level Disciplinary Action

Decision Made After Controversy Over Slanderous Posts on Party Bulletin Board
Highest Level of Disciplinary Action Amid Allegations of Family Involvement
Former Leader Han Expected to Pursue Legal Action

The Ethics Committee of the People Power Party expelled former leader Han Donghoon in the early morning of January 14 over the controversy surrounding the party's online bulletin board.

At 1 a.m. that day, the committee announced in its "Central Ethics Committee Decision" that "the respondent (former leader Han) is determined to have authored the problematic post," adding, "The organized posting activity, recognized as having been carried out by his family, is clearly in violation of the party constitution and regulations, considering both the content and the nature of the activity." The committee continued, "This constitutes a serious violation of party membership regulations (duty of sincerity), ethical rules (maintaining dignity), and the party bulletin board operation policy (prohibition of account sharing and slander)," and declared, "As of today, we have decided to expel Han Donghoon."

Regarding this decision, the committee explained, "It is based solely on evidence, facts, and the analysis and assessment of the actions involved. Public opinion, media influence, political schedules, calculations of political advantage or disadvantage in elections, and pressure from influential figures were not considered in the committee's deliberations or decision." However, regarding the response from Han Donghoon's side against the committee, it pointed out, "'Harassment' and 'fostering fear' clearly demonstrate that the respondent shows no remorse at all."

The issue raised by the Ethics Committee was the suspicion that Han Donghoon's family was involved in posting slanderous comments about former President Yoon Sukyeol and his wife on the People Power Party's member bulletin board. The committee, which convened at 5 p.m. that day, produced a decision document exceeding 9,000 characters after a six-hour marathon meeting. Expulsion is the most severe disciplinary action available to the committee, above recommendations to leave the party, suspension of party membership, and warnings.

Yonhap News Agency

The committee further stated that, "If the respondent personally authored the post, this matter goes beyond ethical and political responsibility and should be subject to legal accountability," recommending that "the party request an investigation to uncover the truth."

Han Donghoon responded on social media, stating, "I will protect democracy together with the people," indicating he would not accept the committee's decision. It appears that Han will pursue legal action claiming the disciplinary measure is invalid.

According to the party's regulations, a decision to expel a member is finalized through a resolution by the Supreme Council following the Ethics Committee's decision. Accordingly, the expulsion of Han Donghoon is expected to proceed to deliberation by the Supreme Council.