Focus Shifts to Jang Donghyuk After Han Donghoon's Apology... First Watershed: Disciplinary Action Against Kim Jonghyuk

Jang Faces Backlash No Matter the Decision
Kim Jonghyuk to Present Explanation to Ethics Committee on the 19th

As former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon issued his first apology regarding the party member bulletin board controversy, attention is now focused on the decision of current leader Jang Donghyuk, who holds the final authority to approve Han's expulsion. Whether Jang chooses to withdraw the expulsion or proceed with it, any decision will carry significant political consequences. Although the schedule has not yet been confirmed, there is speculation that the disciplinary ruling on former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk, an ally of Han Donghoon, will serve as a critical turning point.

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, has been continuing a hunger strike for the fifth day on January 19 at the National Assembly Rotunda, urging the acceptance of a special investigation into the Democratic Party's nomination bribery and Unification Church gate. 2026.01.19 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

One possible scenario regarding Han Donghoon is that at the Supreme Council meeting scheduled for January 26, Jang Donghyuk may choose not to approve the expulsion agenda, effectively canceling the disciplinary action. This could bring an end to a controversy that has persisted for over a year, but fierce backlash is expected from the party leadership faction and hardline supporters who oppose such a move.

Given that Jang Donghyuk secured party leadership with the support of hardline supporters, it is seen as difficult for him to ignore their stance. There is also a possibility that Jang may adjust the disciplinary action to a lesser degree than expulsion. In previous general meetings of lawmakers, the majority opinion was that Han Donghoon had expressed his apology and that the excessive disciplinary action should be withdrawn. However, in order to reduce the level of disciplinary action, Han would need to request a retrial from the Ethics Committee, which is considered unlikely.

Yonhap News Agency

There is also a scenario in which the decision to expel Han could reignite controversy within the party. As backlash is expected, especially among Han's allies, the party leadership is likely to seek justification by demanding further explanations or additional apologies, or by conducting a public review at the Supreme Council.

The Ethics Committee's decision regarding former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk is expected to serve as a barometer. Previously, the Party Affairs Audit Committee recommended severe disciplinary action to the Ethics Committee, specifically a two-year suspension of party membership. The Ethics Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting on this day to hear Kim Jonghyuk's explanation.