South Korean Party to Discuss Discipline for Lawmaker's Physical Assault on Leaders

The People Power Party is scheduled to hold a supreme council meeting to discuss disciplinary measures against lawmaker Kwon Young-jin following his physical altercation with party leaders. Kwon is accused of grabbing the collars of the current and former floor leaders in protest after being reassigned to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee instead of the National Defense Committee.

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There are strong voices among lawmakers that this is not something that can be resolved with an apology, and many party members are demanding severe punishment.

Party officials indicated that Kwon's apology may not be sufficient to resolve the issue, citing strong sentiment among lawmakers and party members for stricter punishment. Choi Bo-yoon, the party's senior spokesperson, stated that the matter would be discussed at the supreme council meeting, emphasizing that "it is not something that can be resolved with an apology."

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I deeply regret and apologize for the great disrespect shown to Floor Leader Jeong and the damage to leadership.

Further complicating the situation, Kwon faces potential ethics committee review and even a criminal complaint filed by a civic group. Sources suggest that Kwon should consider his own position. Kwon has since apologized for his "carelessness and wrongdoing" towards the floor leader and has offered to relinquish his position as chairman of the Daegu chapter and his role as committee convenor.

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A situation where one verbally abuses and grabs the collar of a floor leader should never happen. Kwon Young-jin must acknowledge his wrongdoing with a penitent attitude...

Despite his apology and offer to step down, internal criticism persists. Lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun urged Kwon to show a "penitent attitude" and accept any punishment, while lawmaker Yoo Young-ha expressed shame over the incident, stating, "I don't see any reason to cover for him personally."

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It's embarrassing. I don't know how it came to this. Although we are on friendly terms and I personally liked him, I cannot find any reason to cover for him.