'Expelled From PPP' Kim Jonghyuk: "I Cannot Help but Let Out a Wry Laugh... I Will Hold Them Legally Accountable"

People Power Party Finally Expels Pro-Han Ally Kim Jonghyuk on February 9
Kim Jonghyuk: "Chaotic Ethics Committee... I Will Hold Them Accountable"
Bae Hyunjin, Facing Disciplinary Action, Confronts Jang Donghyuk

Following the expulsion of former leader Han Donghoon from the People Power Party, the party on the 9th expelled former Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk, who is considered part of the pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) faction. Kim hinted at follow-up action, saying, "Even an apartment security office would not handle its work like this."

Former People Power Party Supreme Council member Kim Jonghyuk was finally expelled from the party on the 9th. The Asia Business Daily DB

Choi Boyoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, said after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "There was no resolution by the Supreme Council; it was concluded as a report item," adding, "Former Supreme Council member Kim has been expelled." Earlier, on January 26, the party's Central Ethics Committee decided to recommend that Kim leave the party, citing violation of the duty to maintain dignity and the duty of faithful performance of work. This is one level heavier than the two-year suspension of party membership that the Party Affairs Audit Committee had recommended to the Ethics Committee.

According to the party's bylaws, if the Ethics Committee recommends that a member leave the party, the member must submit a withdrawal report within 10 days. If this is not carried out, the member is expelled without any additional resolution by the Ethics Committee.

On the same day, Kim posted on social media, saying, "It was expected, so I am not surprised at all," and added, "I cannot help but chuckle, thinking how hard they are trying." He said, "The disciplinary process at the Ethics Committee was in complete disarray," and sneered, "If the apartment security office handled work like this, the residents would revolt. How lacking in confidence must they be to behave this way?"

He went on to say, "I am discussing with my lawyer whether to file for an injunction or to go straight to the main lawsuit," adding, "In the sense of holding Jang Donghyuk's leadership and Yoon Minwoo's Ethics Committee legally accountable for doing something this absurd, I am more inclined to file either an injunction or a main lawsuit in the near future."

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and lawmaker Bae Hyunjin are talking after attending the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 9th. The People Power Party's Central Ethics Committee is reported to have initiated disciplinary proceedings against lawmaker Bae. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Meanwhile, the People Power Party's Ethics Committee has also recently initiated disciplinary procedures against lawmaker Bae Hyunjin, who is likewise classified as part of the pro-Han faction. Bae was reportedly referred to the Ethics Committee on January 30. The reasons for the referral are said to include allegations that Bae conveyed her opposition to the expulsion of former leader Han Donghoon to the outside as if it were the unanimous position of the Seoul Metropolitan Chapter. Her public criticism of party leader Jang Donghyuk and other members of the party leadership after Han's expulsion has also been cited as grounds for discipline. The Ethics Committee is expected to officially notify Bae of the initiation of disciplinary procedures. After that, it is expected to determine the final level of discipline following an explanation process.

In connection with this, Bae was spotted on the 9th in the main chamber of the National Assembly directly approaching party leader Jang Donghyuk to question him about the party's move to discipline her. During the plenary session for the government interpellation held in the main chamber, Bae went to Jang's seat and spoke with him. Bae, who serves as head of the Seoul Metropolitan Chapter, is reported to have asked Jang, "The Ethics Committee is shaking both the Seoul Metropolitan Chapter and me as its head; what exactly is your position as leader?"

Bae is reported to have asked Jang, "What on earth are you thinking?", "Do you really want to suspend me from my duties?", "Are you hoping to see my duties as (chapter head) suspended?", and "Have you been uncomfortable with the candid advice I have offered so far for the sake of winning the election?" Jang is said to have replied, "The Ethics Committee is an independent body."