Jang Donghyuk Postpones Final Decision on Han Donghun's Expulsion Proposal... Grants Opportunity for Retrial

People Power Party Supreme Council's Decision
"Will Give Han an Opportunity to Explain"
Move Seen as Effort to Ensure Procedural Legitimacy
Han Says "Will Not Request Retrial"
Camp to Monitor Final Decision

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has postponed the final decision on the expulsion proposal regarding former leader Han Donghun. This move is intended to provide Han with an opportunity to explain himself in connection with the so-called party members' bulletin board incident. The decision is interpreted as an effort to secure procedural legitimacy, as opposition has grown not only among pro-Han (pro-Han Donghun) members but also among reformist and senior lawmakers within the party.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of January 15, Jang stated, "It is appropriate to grant a period for requesting a retrial so that former leader Han can have a chance to explain himself," adding, "Until the retrial period is over, the Supreme Council will not vote on the Ethics Committee's agenda." According to the party's constitution and regulations, a party member who has been disciplined by the Central Ethics Committee may request a retrial within 10 days of being notified of the disciplinary decision.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on January 15, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Initially, it was widely expected that the party leadership would fast-track the expulsion proposal against Han, but this has now been delayed. Under Jang Donghyuk's leadership, the Ethics Committee, which was officially launched on January 8, made a decision on severe disciplinary action at its second meeting on January 13, following its first closed-door meeting on January 9. The announcement of Han's expulsion was made early on January 14, and this was interpreted as the leadership's intention to quickly resolve the controversy surrounding the party members' bulletin board. After the Ethics Committee's decision, Jang had also expressed his determination to push through, stating, "I am not considering overturning this or seeking alternative solutions."

The unexpected postponement of the Supreme Council's vote appears to be a response to internal opposition to Han's expulsion. With a general assembly of lawmakers scheduled for 11 a.m. that day, the intention is to listen to party opinions before making a decision. Lee Seongkwon, secretary of the reformist group "Alternative and Future," met with Jang before the Supreme Council meeting and suggested that the Supreme Council make its judgment only after sufficient opinion gathering at the general assembly. A pro-Han lawmaker said in a phone call, "If you include pro-Han, reformist, and senior lawmakers, more than half expressed concerns yesterday," adding, "Jang must have felt pressured to push ahead as is."

Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party, is expressing his position on January 14 at the National Assembly Communication Office regarding the party's Ethics Committee's decision to expel him. 2026.1.14 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the same time, there are indications that the party is seeking to secure procedural legitimacy for Han's disciplinary action. The Ethics Committee revised its decision twice, leading to criticism that "the reasons for discipline were fitted to a predetermined conclusion." In addition, the pro-Han faction has raised procedural issues, citing the possibility of manipulation in the Party Affairs Audit Committee's investigation and insufficient opportunities for Han to explain himself.

Han's camp has stated that they will monitor Jang's final decision and consider their response accordingly. However, they have indicated that they are not considering applying for a retrial of the Ethics Committee's decision. Within the pro-Han faction, there are various opinions on how to respond. Jeong Yeonuk, a People Power Party lawmaker, argued in a phone call that "this is an issue that should be resolved politically rather than through legal action." Park Junghoon, another People Power Party lawmaker, said on SBS Radio, "If an injunction is filed to suspend the disciplinary action, it is likely to be accepted." An aide close to Han commented, "Since the ball is now in Jang's court, we will consider various options while monitoring the general assembly and other developments."