"They Called Us 'Barbarians'... Park Jungha Says 'Nothing Would Have Changed Even If Han Had Visited the Hunger Strike Site'"

People Power Party Expected to Expel Han Donghoon Over 'Party Member Bulletin Board' Controversy
Park Jungha: "Even If Han Had Visited Jang Donghyuk's Hunger Strike, Nothing Would Have Changed"
"Can't Delay" vs. "Need for Unity"?Party Conflict D

Amid expectations that the People Power Party will soon finalize the expulsion of former leader Han Donghoon over the so-called "party member bulletin board incident," Park Jungha, an assemblyman classified as a close associate of Han, argued that "even if former leader Han had visited Representative Jang's hunger strike site, the nature of the conflict between the two sides would not have changed." He explained that this is because the party mainstream has already decided to exclude Han, leaving no room for compromise.

Park Jungha, a member of the People Power Party classified as a close associate, argued that "even if former Representative Han had visited Representative Jang's hunger strike site, the nature of the conflict between the two sides would not have changed." Photo by The Asia Business Daily Database

In an interview on MBC Radio's "Kim Jongbae's Focus" on the 27th, Park criticized, "The party's Ethics Committee's decision to recommend Kim Jonghyuk, former Supreme Council member, to leave the party, saying, 'I hope individual restraint will lead to general restraint,' is essentially an attempt to silence dissent against the party leadership."

Previously, the party's Ethics Committee had disciplined Kim on the 26th for allegedly insulting the party leadership and party members. When the host asked, "Is it okay to give this kind of interview?" Park replied, "I will say what needs to be said. I will accept being disciplined if necessary."

"If you defend Han, you're called a 'barbarian'... No room for compromise"

Regarding calls within the party to lower the level of disciplinary action against Han, Park said, "It doesn't really matter." He continued, "Party officials have referred to those who voiced renewal or defended Han, even partially, as 'barbarians.' There were even calls for lawmakers Kwon Youngjin and Choi Hyungdu, who questioned the Ethics Committee's decision, to retire from politics. In this atmosphere, there is no room for compromise," he said.

He added, "If former leader Han had visited Jang's hunger strike site, it would have only damaged the politics he has pursued so far and the identity he aims for in the future. Considering that, it is understandable that it was not an easy situation for Han to go." Regarding Han's future course, Park said, "There aren't many options," and added, "Personally, I hope he will seek a court ruling through an injunction on the unfair or procedurally flawed aspects."

Jang Donghyuk's Return Imminent... Party Division Deepens Over Expulsion Vote

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, is announcing his position as he ends his eight-day fast at the National Assembly Rotunda on the 22nd. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Jang Donghyuk is considering resuming party duties starting on the 28th by visiting the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) situation room to inspect prices. This comes six days after he ended his hunger strike at the request of former President Park Geunhye. As a result, there is speculation that Jang will soon handle the disciplinary case against Han.

However, internal division is intensifying over the expulsion vote. Kim Jaewon, Supreme Council member, said on YTN Radio's "Kim Youngsoo's The Interview" on the 27th, "Endlessly delaying and continuing internal controversy is not good for the party or the public, as it only causes confusion. The Supreme Council should vote on the expulsion as soon as possible." Jang Yechang, Deputy Director of the Yeouido Institute, said on radio the previous day, "The prevailing opinion within the Supreme Council is that Han can no longer avoid expulsion."

On the other hand, "Alternative and Future," a reformist group within the People Power Party, urged on the 27th, "The Supreme Council should reconsider the expulsion of Han and seek a political solution for party unity." They emphasized, "Ahead of the local elections, the ruling bloc is practicing 'addition politics' for unity, but are we right to exclude even our own members? Is it desirable to call for alliances with reform parties outside the party while excluding our own? There are concerns that this could betray the trust of many of our supporters. A cautious approach to disciplinary action is necessary."