People Power Party Ethics Committee Fails to Reach Conclusion on Yoon's Expulsion

The People Power Party's Ethics Committee, which convened past midnight to discuss the expulsion and departure of President Yoon Suk-yeol, failed to reach any conclusion. There was a clash between those who believed disciplinary action was necessary and those who urged caution.

According to the People Power Party on the 13th, the Ethics Committee gathered at an undisclosed location in Seoul at 10 PM the previous day to discuss the expulsion and departure of 'Member No. 1,' President Yoon.

According to the party's regulations, the Ethics Committee can expel members or recommend departure. However, expulsion requires a resolution by the Supreme Council. If a member does not appeal a recommendation to leave, they are expelled after 10 days.

Previously, Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the People Power Party, urgently convened the Ethics Committee following President Yoon's public address on the 12th. He stated, "After seeing President Yoon's address, I urgently instructed the convening of the Ethics Committee for his expulsion and departure," adding, "It has become clear that President Yoon can no longer fulfill his duties."

However, as Leader Han initiated the procedures for President Yoon's expulsion and departure, pro-Yoon lawmakers strongly opposed. There were criticisms that discussing expulsion without a vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon was premature.

Kang Seung-kyu wrote on his Facebook, "It seems they are planning to expel the 'Member No. 1,' the President, without any proper discussion or opinion gathering," adding, "Leader Han is greatly mistaken about the 'powers of the party leader.'" He also stated, "They are attempting a 'surprise expulsion' of the President without any deliberation in the general assembly, and the leader's personal opinion cannot be the party's official stance."

Yoon Sang-hyun also criticized, "With what authority is Leader Han pushing for the President's departure and expulsion?" and described Han Dong-hoon's convening of the Ethics Committee as a "midnight coup by loyalists, a dictatorial mindset treating the party as personal property."

Ultimately, the Ethics Committee, which started its meeting late at night, did not reach an immediate conclusion. The committee announced to the press around midnight, "We have begun deliberations on initiating disciplinary procedures against the President, and considering the gravity of the matter, we have decided to proceed cautiously regarding the substance and procedures."

Seulkee Lee, Hankyung.com reporter seulkee@hankyung.com