Tensions are escalating within the People Power Party as the Central Ethics Committee prepares to hold a meeting next week to begin disciplinary reviews. This comes as Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk signals a move toward severe disciplinary actions, prompting strong backlash from the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction and other non-mainstream party members, who are calling it political retaliation.
According to the People Power Party, the Central Ethics Committee will convene on July 6 to discuss disciplinary matters that were postponed following the recent local elections. Observers believe that those who supported independent candidate Han Dong-hoon during the June 3 by-elections in Busan or have called for Chairman Jang's resignation will be among the first to face scrutiny. Estimates suggest that the number of individuals subject to potential disciplinary action could reach 20 to 30.
Chairman Jang recently stated, "It is time to reach a conclusion regarding the controversies surrounding these actions," indicating a firm stance on discipline. He reportedly expressed to his associates that he has already drawn the sword, suggesting a readiness to take decisive action.
Those mentioned as potential disciplinary targets have reacted swiftly. Representative Park Jeong-hoon criticized the situation, stating, "Those who should be disciplined are the ones doing the disciplining." Representative Jin Jong-o also asserted, "I have never acted against the interests of the public." Additionally, Woo Jae-jun, the youth committee chair, warned that disciplining those who supported Han Dong-hoon could be a decision that goes against public sentiment.
Concerns from senior party members have also surfaced. Representative Ahn Cheol-soo remarked, "The role of the party leader should be to persuade dissenters, not to discipline them."
The ongoing conflict between Chairman Jang and Representative Han continues to unfold. On the same day, it was reported that when Representative Han was invited to a Telegram group led by Representative Yoon Jae-ok, Jang left the chat without responding.
As the ethics committee's disciplinary procedures intensify, there are predictions that the conflict surrounding Chairman Jang's leadership could escalate further.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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