Internal Conflict in People Power Party, Spiraling into Controversy Over Jeon Han-gil's Membership

The People Power Party is facing internal strife following the news of Jeon Han-gil, a history instructor, joining the party as a member.

Within the party, opinions are sharply divided regarding Jeon’s membership, deepening the rift among party members.

Jeon applied for online membership under his real name, Jeon Yoo-gwan, on the 8th of last month, and the People Power Party’s Seoul Headquarters approved it the following day. Jeon thus became a member of the People Power Party.

On the 14th, Jeon officially announced, “I have joined the People Power Party,” during an emergency debate titled “What Should We Do? For a Reset Korea of Liberal Republic,” hosted by Representative Yoon Sang-hyun of the People Power Party.

Jeon added, “I will not run for elected office, only support the success of the conservative right.”

Strong Backlash Within the Party

Following the announcement, there was a backlash within the People Power Party.

Kim Yong-tae, a former chairman of the emergency countermeasures committee, expressed a stern stance via Facebook on the 16th.

Kim stated, “It is said that Jeon Han-gil joined in June. If I had known at that time, as the chairperson, I would have held a membership qualification review committee to block his admission like we did with Kim Gye-ri. Extreme political forces that advocate martial law and claim election fraud cannot be in alignment with the People Power Party. The Free Unification Party or the newly forming party by Hwang Kyo-ahn would be suitable,” he pointed out.

He continued, “Chairman Song Eon-seok also clarified that our party has never supported or endorsed martial law. Therefore, Jeon Han-gil, who claims election fraud and advocates martial law, should be expelled immediately. Cutting ties with extreme political forces is the beginning of rebuilding national conservatism,” he emphasized.

Former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon also remarked on Facebook, “We need to consider how the citizens would view the admission of someone like Jeon Han-gil, who promotes conspiracy theories about election fraud and symbolizes Yoon Suk-yeol’s comeback. Our People Power Party is not a party that supports conspiracy theories about election fraud. Are we misinformed?”

Former Supreme Council member Kim Jong-hyuk, who is allied with Han Dong-hoon, expressed concern saying, “Jeon Han-gil, joining People Power Party online. Jo Won-jin from the Our Republican Party also declared to join,” and added, “I’m worried that People Power Party could become the extreme right party after transitioning from the party of the seasoned politicians.”

Representative Ahn Cheol-soo and Innovation Committee Chair Yoon Hee-sook also raised issues.

In the Face of Strong Backlash, Song Eon-seok Says He Will “Consider Appropriate Measures”

As the backlash against Jeon’s membership continued, Song Eon-seok, the emergency chairman and floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on Facebook on the 18th, “I have been listening to and gathering various opinions regarding Jeon,” and added, “I have instructed a verification of his remarks and actions, as well as a review of appropriate measures according to the party constitution and regulations.”

Earlier, Chairman Song had expressed, “There is no need to make a fuss over one individual’s membership,” but he suddenly changed his position as criticisms flooded in from both inside and outside the party.

Chairman Song stated, “As the chairperson, I am well aware of your concerns. I will take steps, step by step, to restore the party’s trust and affection from the public.”

Image source: Jeon Han-gil, a history instructor, attending a testimony meeting invited by former ambassador Mostan at Eunpyeong Jeil Church in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, on July 17, 2025. / News1, Kim Yong-tae, member of the People Power Party / News1, Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party / News1, Song Eon-seok, emergency chairman and floor leader of the People Power Party, along with committee members from the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, protesting at the Seoul National Assembly Office of Representative Kwon Seong-dong regarding the abuse of power for special prosecutors on the morning of July 18, 2025. / News1