Pro-Han faction presses for fact-finding probe after Jang Dong-hyuk's meeting with Ahn Cheol-soo

As People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk held a meeting with Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo on the 13th, senior lawmakers of the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction stepped up pressure on Jang, demanding an independent fact-finding investigation into allegations that the disciplinary expulsion of Rep. Han Dong-hoon was fabricated.

Hwang Kyung-sung, a member of the party's ethics committee, raised suspicions in January that the expulsion disciplinary action against Rep. Han had been rigged. After refusing to appear before the party's supreme council, Hwang warned that if no apology or withdrawal of the disciplinary measure came by the weekend, he would release evidence next week showing that Jang had communicated with the ethics committee.

That same day, the pro-Han faction escalated the pressure on Jang by calling for an investigation into the alleged fabrication of the disciplinary action. Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun wrote on Facebook, "Since a sitting ethics committee member directly involved in the disciplinary decision has raised the issue, this is a grave matter on which the entire party's credibility hangs," and demanded the formation of an independent fact-finding committee that includes figures from across factions and outside experts. Rep. Ahn Sang-hoon told KBS radio that "a proper and thorough fact-finding investigation must be carried out at the party level," while Rep. Park Jeong-hoon told MBC radio that "violating party rules and abusing one's authority inevitably raises legal problems and constitutes a matter for criminal punishment."

In response, Park Chung-kwon, the People Power Party's chief spokesperson, countered before reporters at the National Assembly: "This was not a case of a 'fabricated disciplinary action' but disciplinary action over 'manipulation of public opinion.' Any ethics committee, at any time, would reach the same conclusion," adding, "This is not a matter that warrants a fact-finding committee."

The party leadership and the pro-Han faction have been unable to narrow their differences over forming a fact-finding committee. With the ethics committee member's promised release of evidence approaching next week, the clash over whether to establish the committee is expected to continue for the time being.