The People Power Party (PPP) leadership confirmed on January 9 the expulsion of former Supreme Council member Kim Jong-hyuk, a key ally of former party leader Han Dong-hoon. The party's Central Ethics Committee has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against Representative Bae Hyun-jin, another Han ally, further intensifying factional conflict within the ruling party.
PPP spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon told reporters after the Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly that "the Central Ethics Committee's disciplinary measure against Kim Jong-hyuk, chairman of the Goyang-byeong district party chapter in Gyeonggi Province, was reported to the Supreme Council" and that "it was concluded as a report item without a vote, effectively confirming his expulsion."
The party had recommended Kim's voluntary resignation on December 26. The party cited his past remarks targeting the party, party leader Chang Dong-hyuk, and former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife as violations of "the duty to maintain dignity and faithfully perform official duties." Under party rules, members who fail to voluntarily leave within 10 days of receiving such a recommendation are automatically expelled.
Kim plans to file for an injunction. "Whether it's an injunction or a lawsuit on the merits, I intend to proceed with everything and continue fighting," he said. "I want to show the public how absurd and nonsensical the party's decision is."
Pro-Han lawmakers immediately protested. Representative Ahn Sang-hoon said, "Criticism becomes a crime, and only those who align with power survive—is this truly the face of a democratic party?" He added, "Power that defies public sentiment and loses the spirit of the times is bound to wither."
Internal conflict over disciplinary actions is expected to deepen. The Central Ethics Committee held a meeting on January 6 to begin disciplinary review of Representative Bae, leaving open the possibility of her expulsion. Bae was referred to the committee for allegedly leading the drafting of a statement opposing the expulsion of former leader Han Dong-hoon.