The People Power Party initiated disciplinary actions on October 20, suspending several members, including its longest-serving lawmaker, Jo Kyung-tae, for 2.5 years. This move has raised questions about party leader Jang Dong-hyuk's intentions to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming 2028 National Assembly elections.
The party's Central Ethics Committee announced the disciplinary measures in a press release. Jo received the longest suspension of 2 years and 6 months, while Kwon Young-jin was suspended for 1 year and 6 months, Jin Jong-o for 2 years, and Seo Beom-soo for 10 months.
Jo was disciplined for allegedly pressuring lawmakers from other parties to ensure the defeat of his party's candidate, Park Deok-heum, during the election of the National Assembly's vice speaker. Kwon was found to have disrupted party discipline by physically confronting floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik over committee assignments.
Jin, considered part of the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction within the party, was penalized for supporting an independent candidate in the Busan North District by-election. Seo faced disciplinary action due to controversial remarks related to the 'Busan roundhouse kick' incident, which also implicated Jin. Although the victims have forgiven them, the disciplinary actions proceeded.
Following the announcement, Seo issued an apology for his careless remarks that caused distress to the victims, the party, and the public. However, he expressed hope that the Ethics Committee's decision was not politically motivated to eliminate rivals within the party.
Some analysts interpret the disciplinary actions against these four members, viewed as non-aligned within the party, as an attempt by Jang to strengthen his control. With approximately 1 year and 8 months remaining until the 23rd National Assembly elections, there are concerns that these suspensions could impact candidate nominations. There is also speculation that the affected members may pursue appeals against the disciplinary decisions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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