Kim Jaeseop Calls Han Donghun's Expulsion "Yoon Again's Retaliation"... Kim Jonghyuk Warns of Aftereffects

Reformist Lawmakers and Pro-Han Faction Voice Strong Opposition Within the Party

The Central Ethics Committee of the People Power Party has decided to expel former leader Han Donghun for allegedly manipulating public opinion on the party members' online bulletin board, sparking strong backlash from both reformist lawmakers and those aligned with Han within the party.

On January 15, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jaeseop said on CBS Radio's "Park Sungtae's News Show," "The expulsion of former leader Han is a form of retaliation by Yoon Again (supporters of former President Yoon Sukyeol) against those who opposed martial law and supported impeachment."

Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party, is leaving the press conference after expressing his position regarding the party's Ethics Committee's decision to expel him on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

He also pointed out, "If you look at the decision statement released by the Ethics Committee, it was revised and reissued twice, unlike the original version. The fact that such a critical matter was pushed forward without accurately establishing the facts suggests that the decision to expel had already been made and was carried out hastily."

Regarding the so-called "Party Bulletin Board Incident" involving Han and his family, Kim stated, "Former leader Han admitted that his family wrote posts, but denied writing any himself. This was a key point of contention. The Ethics Committee initially determined that Han himself had posted, but after being challenged, they amended their position to say it might not have been him. If the facts were unclear, they should have left the matter open or postponed the expulsion decision."

He added, "Expelling a former party leader is an extreme measure, and it is devastating that it was carried out so rashly. It is regrettable that someone of party leader or even presidential candidate stature was expelled over the relatively minor issue of the party members' bulletin board."

Kim Jonghyuk, a former Supreme Council member of the People Power Party and an ally of Han, also criticized the decision in an interview with MBC Radio, saying, "It feels surreal. Can something like this happen in a normal political party?" Kim noted, "There have been protests from all sides regarding the expulsion decision. Freshman and sophomore lawmakers from the 'Alternative and Future' group have issued a protest statement, and so have party association heads outside the National Assembly. If the leadership continues to push ahead with such surprise tactics, they will have to bear significant consequences," he warned.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party's Ethics Committee announced in a press release early the previous day that it had decided to expel Han, stripping him of his party membership as a severe disciplinary measure. According to the party's constitution and regulations, an expulsion must be finalized by a Supreme Council resolution following the Ethics Committee's decision.

Former leader Han held a press conference, stating, "I was expelled based on fabricated allegations, even though I prevented martial law and protected the party. I will also block this latest attempt at martial law."