The People Power Party Expels Jin Jong-hyuk, Following Han Dong-hoon: Is Bae Hyun-jin Next?
The People Power Party in South Korea has expelled Jin Jong-hyuk, a member aligned with former leader Han Dong-hoon, amidst ongoing disciplinary actions against their faction.
The People Power Party (PPP) of South Korea has expelled Jin Jong-hyuk, a former chairman of the party's Goyang constituency, shortly after the expulsion of former leader Han Dong-hoon. This decision reflects a continued tightening of control within the party, with the ethics committee also considering disciplinary action against Congresswoman Bae Hyun-jin, who is also associated with Han Dong-hoon. Despite pushback from the pro-Han faction, which describes the expulsions as a 'political purge,' their organizational response may be hampered due to Han's prior ousting from the party.
During a press conference following a meeting of the party's Supreme Council, Chief Spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon announced the expulsion of Jin. This incident comes just 11 days after Han's own removal, highlighting a quick succession of disciplinary actions within the party. The ethics committee justified the expulsion by referencing Jin's previous harsh criticisms of the party leadership, labeling them as violations of conduct standards. Traditionally, members recommended for expulsion must submit their resignations within ten days or face automatic removal.
In the wake of these actions, Bae Hyun-jin is now facing potential disciplinary scrutiny herself. She has been criticized for publicizing a statement opposing Han's removal on behalf of local party leaders, which has raised ethical concerns within the party. Given the recent punitive measures taken against Jin and Han, there is significant speculation regarding the severity of potential sanctions against Bae. Meanwhile, supporters of Han and Jin have strongly protested the party's actions, arguing that such purges create a politically oppressive environment where dissent is stifled and criticism of the leadership is treated as a crime rather than as a legitimate political expression.