Ruling Party's Heavy Sanctions Against Four Lawmakers Spark Backlash

The ruling People Power Party is facing internal turmoil following the central ethics committee's decision to suspend the party membership of four non-factional lawmakers for two years. The sanctioned individuals include Reps. Cho Gyeong-tae, Kwon Young-jin, Seo Beom-soo, and Jin Jong-oh.

“

The ethics committee is not an ethics committee but a tool for political purges.

The disciplinary action has triggered strong backlash from the targeted lawmakers, who have publicly denounced the ethics committee as a tool for political purges. Rep. Jin Jong-oh, speaking at a press conference, criticized the committee, stating it has become a "bodyguard" for party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and his supporters. He asserted his innocence, claiming he committed no misconduct, and demanded the committee clarify the grounds for its decision.

“

I can state with certainty that I have not engaged in any misconduct.

Adding to the internal dissent, senior party members have also voiced their opposition. They argue that the committee's actions overstep its bounds, stating, "You cannot discipline public sentiment." The controversy stems from the fact that all four sanctioned lawmakers have been critical of Jang Dong-hyuk, leading to expectations that the internal conflict within the party will escalate.

“

You cannot discipline public sentiment.