Visit to Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation Scheduled for the Afternoon of the 28th
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, who halted his hunger strike demanding the acceptance of a dual special prosecution (Unification Church and nomination bribes), will return to party work. Observers say the expulsion motion against former leader Han Donghoon is now entering its final stages.
According to the People Power Party on January 28, Jang will visit the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) in the afternoon with the party leadership and members of the National Assembly’s Strategy and Finance Committee. This marks his return to public activities six days after being transferred to the hospital on January 22, following an eight-day hunger strike demanding a special prosecution into the Unification Church and Democratic Party nomination bribery.
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, who had been fasting for eight days demanding the acceptance of a dual special prosecution on the Unification Church and nomination bribes, is speaking before being transferred from the National Assembly to the hospital due to health deterioration. Photo by Yonhap News
With Jang returning to party work, political attention is focused on the Supreme Council meeting scheduled for January 29. There is growing anticipation over whether the expulsion motion against former leader Han will be passed. Party leadership close to Jang appears to be backing the Ethics Committee’s recommendation for expulsion. Kim Jonghyuk, a former Supreme Council member close to Han, has already received a heavy disciplinary measure, being advised to leave the party.
Cho Gwanghan, Supreme Council member appointed by Jang, told The Asia Business Daily in a phone interview, “I believe a swift decision should be made as early as tomorrow,” adding, “Han’s side continues to hold rallies and protests instead of seeking a political compromise, which is not a good choice.” A source close to Han also commented, “Since the leadership lacks the momentum to drag this issue out much longer, I don’t think they will delay the decision further.”
Within the party, concerns are mounting about the possible fallout from the expulsion. Seo Jiyeong, a People Power Party lawmaker, appeared on SBS and said, “Whatever the outcome, the party will face a very difficult period,” adding, “Both sides need to calmly take more time to find a solution.”
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