Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, stated on July 10 that independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon was expelled for "criminal acts, not misconduct."
During an appearance on New Daily's YouTube program "Bae Choo-do's Early Delivery," Jang emphasized that the issue surrounding the party's bulletin board constitutes a criminal act. The People Power Party expelled Han in January over allegations that family members of a lawmaker posted critical comments about former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife on the party's bulletin board.
Regarding his comments about permanently banning those involved in misconduct from returning to the party, Jang clarified, "I said strict measures are necessary for misconduct, but I never mentioned disciplining anyone specifically." He added, "Those who feel threatened by this are coming out and asking, 'Why are you trying to discipline me?'"
He continued, "Many lawmakers have demanded a strong message that those who leave the party to run as independents will be permanently banned from returning. This is necessary to ensure that we support our party's candidates instead of independent ones."
Jang pointed out that the current approach, which allows for reinstatement after expulsion during presidential and general elections, has led to a lack of fear regarding expulsion or bans. He stressed the importance of addressing misconduct, stating, "We should not engage in subtraction politics. Someone shooting at our side is the biggest minus. There is no greater minus than that. Asking the leader to step down is subtraction politics." He further emphasized, "Clear misconduct is akin to shooting at our own side in a war and aiding the enemy."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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