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 leader of the People Power Party Han Donghoon issued his first apology regarding the party member bulletin board incident, attention is now focused on the decision of Jang Donghyuk, the current leader who holds the final authority over Han’s expulsion. Regardless of whether Jang chooses to withdraw or enforce the expulsion, the situation carries significant political risk. Although the schedule has not yet been finalized, there is speculation that the disciplinary decision on former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk, an ally of Han Donghoon, will serve as a watershed moment.

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 former leader Han is that at the Supreme Council meeting on January 26, Jang may choose not to put the expulsion motion to a vote, effectively canceling the disciplinary action. This would bring an end to a controversy that has dragged on for over a year, but strong opposition is expected from the pro-leadership faction and hardline supporters.

There are predictions that it will be difficult for Jang, who secured leadership with the backing of hardline supporters, 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, the majority opinion was that Han’s apology should be accepted and that the disciplinary measure was excessive. However, in order to adjust the level of discipline, Han would need to request a retrial from the Ethics Committee, which appears unlikely.

Yonhap News Agency

Another scenario is that a decision to expel Han could reignite controversy within the party. Since backlash is expected, especially from Han’s allies, the leadership is likely to seek justification through requests for further explanation, additional apologies, or public vetting by 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 a heavy disciplinary action of “two years suspension of party membership” to the Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting today to hear Kim’s explanation.