Wielding Disciplinary Sword, Jang Dong-hyeok Vows Permanent Ban on Party Betrayers

Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the People Power Party (PPP), has moved to tighten party discipline, declaring that "for serious acts of party betrayal, the party constitution and bylaws should be revised to permanently ban rejoining the party." As internal conflicts within the party have continued following the local elections, he made clear his intention to respond firmly. The party's Central Ethics Committee also held its first meeting since the local elections, beginning its review of some 60 disciplinary requests.

On Thursday, PPP Chief Spokesperson Park Sung-hoon said, "There have been cases in which basic-level council members belonging to our party colluded with the Democratic Party to throw local council leadership elections into chaos." He added, "Leader Jang expressed his view that for such serious acts of party betrayal, the party constitution and bylaws should be revised to permanently ban rejoining the party."

Recently, during the election of leadership at the Okcheon County Council and the Pohang City Council, internal party conflicts led to cases in which the originally designated candidate was not elected as chair, and such developments were reportedly reported to the central party.

As the Ethics Committee begins its full review of disciplinary requests received before and after the local elections, some interpret Jang's remarks as a message aimed at the party's overall disciplinary posture. With the possibility of disciplinary action even against pro-Han lawmakers who supported independent Rep. Han Dong-hoon and reformist lawmakers who called for Jang's resignation, some observe that factional conflict could reignite.

Objections have continued both inside and outside the party. One lawmaker criticized the move, saying, "It appears they are trying to target not only pro-Han lawmakers but the entire anti-Jang faction as well."

By contrast, a cautious view is gaining ground, centered on senior lawmakers. Rep. Lee Jong-bae, a four-term lawmaker, pointed out, "The approach of disciplining party members to establish discipline will foster confrontation and conflict rather than party order."

Rep. Choi Hyung-doo also said on KBS Radio the same day, "Sitting lawmakers, senior members, and even Supreme Council members classified as pro-Jang are viewing this issue very cautiously." He added, "Just because a complaint has been filed with the Ethics Committee does not mean it will easily lead to actual disciplinary action."