PPP Leader Jang Dong-huk Pushes for Permanent Ban on Readmitting 'Serious Offenders'…Ethics Committee Begins Deliberations Today

People Power Party (PPP) Leader Jang Dong-huk announced on the 6th that he would amend the party constitution and rules if necessary to permanently block the reinstatement of members who have caused significant controversy for the party. Speaking at a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly that day, Leader Jang cited allegations of collusion between local councils and opposition parties, arguing that the party constitution and rules must be revised to permanently ban the readmission of serious offenders. Park Sung-hoon, the chief spokesperson, and Floor Leader Jeom-sik Jeong emphasized that the remarks were aimed at establishing discipline at the regional party level, not targeting National Assembly members, effectively denying speculation that they were directed at specific lawmakers.

On the same day, the Central Ethics Committee began deliberations on about 30 members, including those aligned with the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction, handling over 70 disciplinary requests filed around the time of the June 3 local elections. The committee held a closed-door plenary session that afternoon to discuss potential disciplinary actions against the 30 members but failed to reach a final conclusion, citing the need to verify procedural legitimacy. The committee is expected to adjust the level of discipline and review procedural justifications before announcing the final voting results.

Rep. Jo Kyong-tae, who is among those facing potential disciplinary action, stated on the 7th that he would report Leader Jang to the Ethics Committee. Rep. Choi Hyeong-du stated in a radio interview that disciplinary politics leads to ruin. Rep. Lee Jong-bae also pointed out via social media that discipline enforced through punishment only invites confrontation and conflict. Meanwhile, Rep. Lee Jin-suk appeared on a broadcast to defend the necessity of the discipline, arguing that party discipline and principles would collapse if the issue is left unaddressed.