PPP Expels Han Donghoon Hours After 'Yoon Sukyeol Death Sentence'... Han's Side Says, "Venting Anger on Han Donghoon" (Comprehensive)

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 Take Legal Action

The Ethics Committee of the People Power Party expelled former party leader Han Donghoon in the early hours of January 14 over the controversy surrounding posts on the party’s online bulletin board. Coincidentally, this decision came three hours after former President Yoon Sukyeol was sentenced to death by the special prosecutor for insurrection.

In its “Central Ethics Committee Decision” released at 1 a.m. that day, the committee stated, “It has been determined that the respondent (former leader Han) authored the problematic post.” The committee continued, “The organized posting activity, recognized as being carried out by the family, is clearly in violation of the party’s constitution and regulations, considering its content and the pattern of activity.” It further stated, “This constitutes a serious violation of the party member regulations (duty of sincerity), ethical rules (maintenance of dignity), and the party bulletin board operation policy (prohibition of account sharing, prohibition of slander),” adding, “As of today, the committee has decided to expel Han Donghoon from the party.”

Regarding this decision, the Ethics Committee explained, “It was based solely on the analysis and judgment of the evidence, facts, and actions. 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 deliberation or decision.” However, regarding the response from Han’s side toward the committee, it pointed out, “The claims of ‘harassment’ and ‘fostering fear’ clearly demonstrate that the respondent has shown no remorse.”

The issue raised by the Ethics Committee was the suspicion that Han’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 convened at 5 p.m. and, after a six-hour marathon meeting, produced a decision document exceeding 9,000 characters. Expulsion is the most severe disciplinary measure among those available to the committee, which include expulsion, recommendation to leave the party, suspension of party membership, and warning.

Yonhap News Agency

The committee also stated that, in connection with this case, “If the respondent personally authored the posts, this is an issue that goes beyond ethical and political responsibility and extends to legal liability,” recommending that “the party should request an investigation to uncover the truth.”

Han Donghoon responded via social media, saying, “I will defend democracy together with the people,” indicating that he would not accept the committee’s decision. It appears that Han will pursue legal action to challenge the validity of the disciplinary measure.

Woo Jaejun, Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, stated, “This disciplinary action lacks any element that could be called legitimacy,” and argued, “Nevertheless, the reason for Han’s expulsion is ultimately retaliation for supporting impeachment.” Regarding the death sentence sought for former President Yoon, he said, “Even if the crime of insurrection is established, there is room for mitigation as it constitutes an attempted crime,” adding, “That possibility was created by former leader Han Donghoon, who prevented the imposition of martial law.” He continued, “Those who have only put forth far-fetched logic, failing to mount any proper legal or political defense, are now venting their anger on the blameless Han Donghoon, while pushing President Yoon Sukyeol deeper into crisis.”

According to the party’s rules, a decision to expel a member is finalized through a vote by the Supreme Council following the Ethics Committee’s resolution. Accordingly, the decision to expel Han Donghoon will proceed to deliberation by the Supreme Council.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party has not released any official statement regarding the death sentence sought for former President Yoon Sukyeol.