Jang backs Han expulsion as party moves to curb infighting

Jan 15, 2026, 07:57 am

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Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon arrives at the National Assembly’s communications hall on Jan. 14 to address reporters on the party ethics committee’s decision to expel him, as supporters look on. / Song Eui-joo

Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, said Wednesday that he respects the party ethics committee’s decision to expel former leader Han Dong-hoon, underscoring procedural legitimacy as the leadership seeks to contain prolonged infighting and accelerate preparations for the June 3 local elections.

Speaking to reporters after a policy meeting with Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo at Daejeon City Hall, Jang said the ethics committee had made its decision after considering various factors and that the leadership has no intention of overturning it or pursuing alternative political solutions. He added that the controversy over the party’s online bulletin board had persisted for a considerable period, accumulating internal friction, and that the details of the ruling would be reviewed once the formal reasoning is released.

Within the party, many see the expulsion as an unavoidable step to reestablish operational standards. Senior officials argue that challenging the ethics committee’s judgment could undermine the effectiveness of party rules and ethical guidelines.

Shin Dong-wook, the party’s senior supreme council member, said in a radio interview that there was broad agreement the issue had dragged on too long and that it was time to close the chapter and focus on local election preparations.

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo also backed the leadership line, calling the decision a reckoning with “a flawed past.” In a social media post, he said the party could not be rebuilt alongside forces that repeatedly engage in corruption and betrayal, urging a fresh start.

Under party rules, an expulsion becomes final after approval by the supreme council following an ethics committee vote. Given Jang’s repeated remarks that the bulletin board issue can no longer be delayed, observers expect the leadership to ratify the decision without changes.

Still, the move has not quelled dissent. Lawmakers aligned with Han, particularly those from the capital region, as well as some senior party figures, have voiced objections. Some party elders previously conveyed concerns about the disciplinary action during a meeting with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

Anxiety is also growing among prospective candidates for mayoral and local government posts, who will soon be on the front lines of the election campaign.

Han, for his part, denounced the decision at a press conference at the National Assembly, accusing the party of expelling him through “false and fabricated claims” despite his role in blocking martial law and protecting the party. “At a time when we should overcome martial law and pursue unity, another form of martial law that destroys the Constitution and democracy has been declared,” he said, vowing to stop it together with the public and party members.

#Jang Dong-hyuk #Han Dong-hoon #People Power Party #party expulsion #ethics committee