The People Power Party's Central Ethics Committee has faced ongoing backlash as it imposed a suspension of party membership on four lawmakers, including Jo Kyung-tae, Kwon Young-jin, Seo Beom-soo, and Jin Jong-oh. Critics, particularly from the non-mainstream faction, have raised concerns that the disciplinary actions are aimed at eliminating political rivals who have called for the resignation of party leader Jang Dong-hyuk. Senior party members have also expressed their worries.
Jin, who has been suspended for two years, held a press conference at the National Assembly, demanding that the Ethics Committee disclose when, where, and how he allegedly supported independent candidate Han Dong-hoon. He stated, "If they cannot provide this information, the Ethics Committee will have to admit it has become a mere follower of Chairman Jang." He hinted at the possibility of legal action regarding various aspects of the committee's proceedings.
Kwon Young-jin, who received a 1.5-year suspension, expressed his concerns on CBS Radio, questioning whether the actions were politically motivated to eliminate dissenting voices. He remarked, "Isn't this a warning that if you challenge me, you won't receive nominations next time?"
The 'Alternatives and Future' group, which includes some of the disciplined lawmakers, issued a statement urging Chairman Jang and the leadership to make wise decisions. They warned that severe disciplinary measures could lead to division within the party, stating, "When politics wields a sword, it can inflict wounds on the very fabric of society."
Among veteran lawmakers, there were also significant concerns. Five-term lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun took to Facebook, urging a reconsideration of the harsh penalties, emphasizing that what is needed now is not exclusion but unity. He called for a return to the core principles of politics, focusing on the people's livelihood and governance.
Five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won noted that the timing and severity of the Ethics Committee's actions do not benefit the leadership. She pointed out that while punishing one person can serve as a warning to many, punishing many can harm the community. Na expressed hope that the remaining procedures, including the Supreme Council's decisions and re-examinations, would be adjusted in a way that benefits the party. Four-term lawmaker Kim Tae-ho also addressed Chairman Jang, stating, "While the party constitution grants you the position, your representation comes from the people and party members. You can silence criticism with discipline, but you cannot discipline public sentiment."
Meanwhile, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon criticized the disciplinary actions as a form of political maneuvering that aids the Democratic Party amid its crises. He remarked, "This disciplinary politics for personal gain is helping the beleaguered Lee Jae-myung administration by diverting attention from its issues."
As for the three lawmakers, excluding Seo, who face suspensions of 1.5 years or more, if the penalties are confirmed, their chances of receiving nominations from the People Power Party in the next general election will be virtually impossible. Kwon and Seo have stated they will not take legal action for now, while Jo and Jin have not clarified their positions.
Jin, who has been suspended for two years, held a press conference at the National Assembly, demanding that the Ethics Committee disclose when, where, and how he allegedly supported independent candidate Han Dong-hoon. He stated, "If they cannot provide this information, the Ethics Committee will have to admit it has become a mere follower of Chairman Jang." He hinted at the possibility of legal action regarding various aspects of the committee's proceedings.
Kwon Young-jin, who received a 1.5-year suspension, expressed his concerns on CBS Radio, questioning whether the actions were politically motivated to eliminate dissenting voices. He remarked, "Isn't this a warning that if you challenge me, you won't receive nominations next time?"
The 'Alternatives and Future' group, which includes some of the disciplined lawmakers, issued a statement urging Chairman Jang and the leadership to make wise decisions. They warned that severe disciplinary measures could lead to division within the party, stating, "When politics wields a sword, it can inflict wounds on the very fabric of society."
Among veteran lawmakers, there were also significant concerns. Five-term lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun took to Facebook, urging a reconsideration of the harsh penalties, emphasizing that what is needed now is not exclusion but unity. He called for a return to the core principles of politics, focusing on the people's livelihood and governance.
Five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won noted that the timing and severity of the Ethics Committee's actions do not benefit the leadership. She pointed out that while punishing one person can serve as a warning to many, punishing many can harm the community. Na expressed hope that the remaining procedures, including the Supreme Council's decisions and re-examinations, would be adjusted in a way that benefits the party. Four-term lawmaker Kim Tae-ho also addressed Chairman Jang, stating, "While the party constitution grants you the position, your representation comes from the people and party members. You can silence criticism with discipline, but you cannot discipline public sentiment."
Meanwhile, independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon criticized the disciplinary actions as a form of political maneuvering that aids the Democratic Party amid its crises. He remarked, "This disciplinary politics for personal gain is helping the beleaguered Lee Jae-myung administration by diverting attention from its issues."
As for the three lawmakers, excluding Seo, who face suspensions of 1.5 years or more, if the penalties are confirmed, their chances of receiving nominations from the People Power Party in the next general election will be virtually impossible. Kwon and Seo have stated they will not take legal action for now, while Jo and Jin have not clarified their positions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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