"Expulsion Is Excessive... A Political Solution Is Needed"
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has postponed a final decision regarding the expulsion motion against former leader Han Donghoon, while voices within the party have called for resolving the conflict through a political solution.
During a closed-door party meeting held at the National Assembly from 11 a.m. on the 15th, many expressed the opinion that the disciplinary action of expulsion against the former leader Han was excessive. It is reported that Jang remained at the meeting and listened to opinions until just before the protest rally that began around 2:20 p.m.
Participants including Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, are listening to the remarks of Song Eon-seok, floor leader, at the party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th. 2026.1.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On this day, the majority of lawmakers stated that the disciplinary action by the Central Ethics Committee against former leader Han was excessive, and urged Jang to resolve the conflict through political means.
Assemblyman Yoon Sanghyun, speaking to reporters after the meeting, said, "The party member bulletin board incident should not be treated as a legal matter but should be resolved politically," adding, "Former leader Han's political explanation was insufficient, and the Ethics Committee's disciplinary action was also excessive." He further suggested, "Rather than pushing for expulsion and punishment, we need leadership that holds people accountable but manages the situation politically and unites the divided party."
Assemblyman Cho Kyungtae also emphasized 'unity and solidarity.' He said, "I questioned whether expelling former leader Han would really benefit the party at this time," adding, "Personally, I hope the Supreme Council will make a wise political decision."
There were also calls for former leader Han to apologize for the party member bulletin board incident. Assemblyman Kwon Youngjin, a member of the party's reformist group 'Alternative and Future,' said, "Leader Jang should withdraw the expulsion, and former leader Han, even if he feels wronged, should express regret to party members and the public," adding, "Through this, the party should show the public that it is changing."
Some pointed out that before any apology, distorted aspects of the disciplinary process should be corrected. Assemblyman Jeong Seongguk, affiliated with the pro-Han (Han Donghoon) faction, said, "I was struck by the remark that the situation has become so big that there hasn't even been an opportunity to express regret," adding, "It also resonated with me that it should be the leader or the leadership with authority who resolves this, not by simply granting the right to appeal to Han."
Earlier that morning, leader Jang stated at the Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, "It is right to allow former leader Han the opportunity to appeal by granting a period for filing a retrial," and added, "Until the retrial period ends, the Supreme Council will not make a decision on the Ethics Committee's motion." According to the People Power Party's constitution and rules, a party member who has been disciplined by the Central Ethics Committee may file an appeal within 10 days from the date of notification of the disciplinary decision if they do not accept the ruling.
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