People Power Party Disciplines 4 Incumbent Lawmakers En Masse... Party Membership Suspension Up to 2 Years and 6 Months

The People Power Party's Ethics Committee has decided to suspend the party membership of four incumbent lawmakers. Anchor Seonwoo Yoon-ho announced that the committee decided to suspend Cho Kyung-tae for 2 years and 6 months, Jin Jong-oh for 2 years, Kwon Young-jin for 1 year and 6 months, and Seo Beom-soo for 10 months. This appears to be a strict measure against actions that violated party rules.

The specific reasons for each lawmaker's disciplinary action were mentioned. Commentator Joo Seong-eun pointed out that Representative Cho Kyung-tae helped the Democratic Party candidate lose after being defeated in the intra-party primary. Representative Jin Jong-oh was disciplined for supporting an independent candidate in the Busan Buk-gu by-election, despite the People Power Party having its own candidate. In the case of Representative Seo Beom-soo, inappropriate remarks made to a citizen who was a victim of sexual violence became the reason for his discipline.

Commentator Kim Ye-yeong argued that the People Power Party's disciplinary action contrasts with past disciplinary cases of the Democratic Party. She referred to the case of Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee, who received the lowest level of discipline from the ethics committee for violating the code of conduct despite a controversy over wedding congratulatory money for her child, and emphasized that the People Power Party is imposing precise disciplinary measures to establish law, principle, and ethics. This is interpreted as a demonstration of the party's commitment to establishing discipline.

Regarding the backlash from the disciplined lawmakers, commentator Joo Seong-eun criticized their 'victim play' as deceiving the public and party members. He analyzed that while pro-Han (Han Dong-hoon) lawmakers are protesting on social media, there is no consensus among fellow lawmakers within the party. He pointed out that the prevailing perception within the party is that the level of discipline was appropriate, which he saw as supporting the legitimacy of the disciplinary action.

Commentator Joo Seong-eun assessed that if the Ethics Committee had not taken swift disciplinary action, the People Power Party would have faced a backlash. He argued that if the disciplinary action had been unfair, fellow lawmakers would have circulated petitions and protested, and that the current measures have played a positive role in defending the party's approval ratings. This can be seen as preventing the negative impact that Representative Seo Beom-soo's 'spin kick' comment and Representative Jin Jong-oh's controversial remarks could have had on the party's image.

This disciplinary action is evaluated as an essential measure to establish party discipline and restore order within the conservative camp. Commentator Joo Seong-eun emphasized that if actions such as grabbing the floor leader by the collar were left unchecked, it would demonstrate the collapse of party discipline. This is interpreted as an intention to rectify internal chaos and re-establish the party's identity.

The anchor stated that they heard from People Power Party officials that this disciplinary action is not the end and that there may be further disciplinary measures. This can be seen as a signal that the party will continue its disciplinary stance despite Representative Yoon Sang-hyun's call to reconsider the disciplinary action. It is observed that this disciplinary action will be the starting point for resolving internal chaos and establishing a new order within the party.

The anchor and commentator Joo Seong-eun reported that party members are reacting positively to Secretary-General Jang Dong-hyuk's actions. Party members are evaluating that Secretary-General Jang has re-established party discipline, calling it 'Jang Dong-hyuk's complete victory,' regardless of wins or losses. This can be interpreted as a process of normalizing principles that have returned the party's abnormal order to normal.

The anchor and commentator Kim Ye-yeong mentioned that Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo made significant remarks that lent support to Secretary-General Jang Dong-hyuk. Such remarks from Mayor Hong have led to various interpretations when compared to his past stance, raising questions about his true intentions. Attention is focused on how Mayor Hong's change in stance will affect this disciplinary phase.

The anchor predicted that this disciplinary action is not the end, and the Ethics Committee will continue to deliver additional news. However, it is expected that this disciplinary phase will largely conclude before the Chuseok holiday. This is interpreted as a move to quickly resolve internal chaos and concentrate the party's efforts.