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 "manipulating public opinion on the party member bulletin board," sparking significant backlash from reformist lawmakers and pro-Han factions within the party.
On January 15, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jaeseop stated on CBS Radio's "Park Seongtae's News Show," "The expulsion of former leader Han is a form of retaliation by 'Yoon Again' against those who opposed (former President Yoon Sukyeol's) 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 said, "If you look at the decision document released by the Ethics Committee, it was revised and reissued twice, unlike the initial version. Not having accurately established the facts in such a critical matter suggests that the committee had already decided on expulsion and rushed the process."
Regarding the so-called "Party Bulletin Board Incident" involving Han and his family, he commented, "Former leader Han acknowledged that his family wrote posts, but denied writing any himself. This was a key issue. The Ethics Committee initially determined that Han himself had written the posts, but then revised their stance after facing rebuttal, admitting it may not have been him. If there were gaps in the facts, they should have left them open or postponed the expulsion decision."
He continued, "Expelling a former party leader is an extreme measure, and it is devastating that it was carried out so hastily. It is regrettable that a figure of party leader or even presidential candidate caliber was expelled over a secondary issue like the party member bulletin board."
Kim Jonghyuk, former Supreme Council member of the People Power Party and considered part of the pro-Han faction, also criticized the decision in an interview with MBC Radio, saying, "It feels surreal. Can such a thing happen in a normal political party?" Kim added, "There is a flood of protests over the expulsion decision. Rookie and second-term lawmakers from the group 'Alternatives and Future' have issued protest statements, as have local party chapter heads. If they continue to push through actions like a surprise operation, they will have to bear significant aftereffects."
Meanwhile, the People Power Party's Ethics Committee announced in a press release early the previous morning that it had decided to expel former leader Han, stripping him of his party membership as a severe disciplinary measure. According to the party's constitution and regulations, an expulsion of a party member is finalized only after the Supreme Council approves the Ethics Committee's decision.
Former leader Han held a press conference, stating, "I was expelled through false manipulation even though I blocked martial law and protected the party," and vowed, "I will block this martial law as well."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
