People Power Party adds member to ethics committee for disciplinary discussions

South Korea's People Power Party has officially bolstered its Central Ethics Committee by appointing an additional member, signaling a move to formally address disciplinary matters arising after the June 3 local elections. The party confirmed the appointment following a Supreme Council meeting, explaining that the addition was necessary to fill existing vacancies within the committee, which is mandated to have nine members including the chairperson.

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Disciplinary actions are a natural and necessary process after elections, and the term 'disciplinary storm' is inappropriate.

Party spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon addressed concerns that the appointment might be an attempt to stack the committee in favor of the leadership. Choi asserted that disciplinary actions are a natural and necessary process after elections and that the term "disciplinary storm" is inappropriate. She emphasized that the appointment of additional members is permissible under party regulations whenever the Supreme Council deems it necessary.

Choi also refuted suggestions of differing stances between the party leadership and the ethics committee. She stated that disciplinary matters are a question of principles and standards, and there is no internal disagreement on this issue. She cited the sentiment of floor leader Jeong Jin-seok that "discipline must be carried out prudently," a view shared by the party leadership, the party leader, and party members.

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Discipline must be carried out prudently.

Earlier, the ethics committee convened on July 6 to review dozens of disciplinary requests against party members submitted during the local election period. These reportedly include lawmakers who supported independent candidate Han Dong-hoon in the Busan Buk-gap by-election and members of the Daeahnmiguk faction who publicly called for the resignation of party leader Jang Dong-hyuk. The party leadership has stated it does not share or request updates on the ethics committee's schedule, criticizing media reports that falsely suggest Jang Dong-hyuk mentioned specific politicians as targets for discipline.

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The party leadership or leader has never shared the ethics committee's schedule or requested a report.