South Korean Party Considers Expulsion for Lawmaker in 'Neck-Grabbing' Scandal

South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) has reached a consensus on imposing the most severe disciplinary measures, potentially including expulsion, against lawmaker Kwon Young-se. The party is contemplating a two-step approach: first, urging Kwon to voluntarily leave the party, and if he declines, proceeding with a formal disciplinary process.

The decision follows a closed-door supreme council meeting convened to discuss the "neck-grabbing" incident involving Kwon. Party officials indicated that there was no disagreement on the need for the strongest possible punishment, considering past precedents and the necessity of preventing future occurrences. "We all agreed that the highest level of disciplinary action, including expulsion, is necessary," stated PPP chief spokesperson Park Sung-hoon.

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We all agreed that the highest level of disciplinary action, including expulsion, is necessary.

Park dismissed claims that the disciplinary action against Kwon, who is considered part of the non-leadership faction, was a result of internal party power struggles. He emphasized that the party must act decisively to avoid giving the impression that lawmakers can resort to physical altercations, such as grabbing the floor leader by the neck, over issues like committee assignments.

The incident occurred last week when Kwon and PPP floor leader Chung Jin-suk engaged in a heated argument over committee assignments. The dispute escalated into a physical confrontation, with Kwon reportedly grabbing Chung by the neck. Chung Jin-suk acknowledged the seriousness of the event, stating, "What happened last week is not just my personal problem but a problem for the entire People Power Party, the representative conservative party." He pledged to do his utmost to ensure such an incident never happens again.

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This is not just my personal problem but a problem for the entire People Power Party, the representative conservative party.