DP Criticizes PPP: "Silent on Yoon's Death Sentence, Expels Han Donghoon... Jang Donghyuk's Apology Is a Dark Chapter"

Park Suhyun: "People Power Party Admits It Has No Reason to Exist"
On Kim Byungki's Expulsion Retrial: "Handled from the Public's Perspective"
On Government Prosecutorial Reform Bills: "Internal Discussion to Begin at Tomorrow's General Meeting"
On the Third Commercial Act Amendment: "Top Priority for Passage"

On January 14, the Democratic Party of Korea sharply criticized Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, claiming his apology lacked sincerity. The party stated, "While remaining completely silent on the death sentence sought for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is it not shameful to enforce 'strict expulsion' for former leader Han Donghoon over a violation of the party members' bulletin board?"

Park Suhyun, Senior Spokesperson for the Democratic Party, told reporters at the National Assembly on the same day, "They could not even issue a single statement regarding the death sentence for former President Yoon, yet, on the same day, they made a show of expelling former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon." Park went on to say, "Since they have ended up punishing a former leader who supported the lifting of martial law, Democratic Party leader Jung Chungrae's remark that Jang's apology is a 'rotten apple' will be remembered as 'correct history,' while Jang Donghyuk's apology will go down as a 'dark chapter' in history."

Park further commented, "By declaring that the party members' bulletin board is a more important value than the Republic of Korea itself, the People Power Party has admitted that it no longer has any reason to exist."

Regarding the People Power Party's Ethics Committee citing "serious ethical and political responsibility" as the reason for Han's expulsion, Park asked, "By remaining silent on Yoon Suk Yeol's death sentence, do you believe that the historical and ethical and political responsibility for the illegal 12·3 martial law, as well as to the Republic of Korea and its people, is not serious?" He added, "If you realize that there is no more honey to be drawn from the straw stuck in Yoon Suk Yeol, I urge you to wake up from your sweet slumber as soon as possible and drink the bitter 'water of public sentiment' like poison to regain your senses."

Park Suhyun, Senior Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press briefing on current issues at the party leader's conference room in the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding Assemblyman Kim Byungki, who was expelled by the Democratic Party's Ethics Tribunal over various allegations including nomination bribery and has requested a retrial, Park said, "We expect the procedural decision to be completed by the end of January," and added, "If the Ethics Tribunal's retrial decision is made as scheduled on the 29th, the result will be reported to the Supreme Council on the following day, the 30th."

He continued, "The party leadership is addressing Assemblyman Kim's issue from the perspective of the public and is conducting a swift investigation and resolution," adding, "Given the high level of public interest and the seriousness of the matter, our position is that a prompt conclusion is necessary, rather than fully utilizing the maximum 60-day period allowed for the retrial process."

In response to concerns raised within the party about fairness in disciplinary action compared to Assemblyman Jang Kyungtae, who faces sexual harassment allegations, Park explained that the Central Party Ethics Inspection Team has completed several investigations into Assemblyman Jang. Park stated, "Since both sides' claims are so strongly opposed, the Ethics Inspection Team finds it difficult to reach any conclusion at this time. We have no choice but to await the results of the ongoing investigation," and emphasized, "Let me make it clear once again that we are not in any way protecting Assemblyman Jang."

Additionally, Park commented on government bills related to prosecutorial reform, such as the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Service, stating, "An orderly internal discussion will begin at the party's general meeting tomorrow (the 15th)." On the same day, party leader Jung stated at the Supreme Council meeting held at the Chungnam Seosan Livestock Comprehensive Center, "The separation of prosecutorial investigation and indictment powers must not be undermined. I sincerely apologize to the public and party members for causing concern," and added, "I have instructed Floor Leader Han Byungdo to hold a large-scale debate on prosecutorial reform involving party members, lawmakers, and the public."

Regarding the third amendment to the Commercial Act, which includes the mandatory cancellation of treasury shares, Park said, "President Lee Jaemyung's remarks were made with the intention of creating a fairer environment in light of the KOSPI situation," and emphasized, "While judicial reform is important, the passage of livelihood bills, including the amendment to the Commercial Act, is also extremely urgent and should be treated as a top priority."