High Court Denies Joo Ho-young's Appeal to Suspend Disqualification

The Seoul High Court has rejected an appeal by Rep. Joo Ho-young seeking to suspend the effect of his disqualification from the People Power Party's Daegu mayoral primary. This decision upholds the party's decision to exclude him from the race, a move that has stirred internal conflict within the conservative party.

The court's ruling stated that the evidence provided by Rep. Joo did not sufficiently demonstrate significant procedural violations or a lack of objective rationality in the party's screening process. This implies that the party's internal disciplinary actions, at least in this instance, are deemed to have followed established procedures.

Rep. Joo had previously filed an injunction with the Seoul Southern District Court to halt the disqualification, but that request was also denied. He had indicated that he would make a final decision on his political future after observing the outcome of the appellate court's decision. This ongoing legal and political battle highlights the intense competition and internal power struggles within the People Power Party as it prepares for upcoming elections.