Korean Party Convention, Controversy Surrounding Jeon Han-gil Intensifies Chaos
The convention for the Korean Party (People Power Party) to elect its new leadership has plunged into major turmoil due to controversies surrounding the far-right former Korean history instructor, Jeon Han-gil.
In this context, Democratic Party member Park Ji-won launched a direct attack on Jeon, urging him to found a new party called 'Yoon Again' as the party leader.
On the 10th, Park posted on his Facebook, proposing the establishment of a new party with Jeon Han-gil as the leader, Kim Moon-soo as the secretary general, and former President Yoon Seok-yeol as an advisor. This was interpreted as a mockery of the current situation where the Korean Party convention is significantly shaken by Jeon's influence advocating for 'Yoon Again.'
On the 8th, during a joint rally in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, Jeon Han-gil incited party members by shouting "traitor" as the candidate for the 'Chantan' (pro-impeachment of former President Yoon) began their speech, turning the rally into chaos and causing a significant controversy.
In response, the party leadership prohibited Jeon's access to the convention hall and initiated disciplinary procedures; however, some candidates for party leadership have shown support for Jeon, perpetuating the conflict.
Park Ji-won’s Strong Criticism and Proposal for Splitting the Party
Park Ji-won critically remarked, "How long will they continue this insurrection play? The public is tired of it."
He pointed out, "Party names like 'Chantan Party' or 'Anti-Tantan Party' would be fitting. Splitting the party is the answer," indicating the severe internal division within the Korean Party.
Furthermore, Park emphasized, "History and the public will drive the insurrectionists into the backyard of history, just like Syngman Rhee's Freedom Party, Park Chung-hee's Democratic Party, and Chun Doo-hwan's Civilian Government Party were made to disappear by the people's power."
He added a warning message, stating, "I will soon call you for a special investigation, so please wait quietly."
Historically, former President Syngman Rhee's Freedom Party was dissolved following the April 19th Revolution and Rhee's resignation. Park Chung-hee's Democratic Party was forcibly disbanded by the new military government led by Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo. Additionally, Chun Doo-hwan's Democratic Justice Party disappeared from history through the 1990 merger of three parties.
Currently, some factions within the ruling party and certain others like the Justice and Innovation Party and the Progressive Party are arguing that the government should file an unconstitutional party dissolution motion against the Korean Party with the Constitutional Court, heightening tensions in the political arena.
Image source: Democratic Party member Park Ji-won / News1, (left) former Korean history instructor Jeon Han-gil, (right) Korean Party leadership candidate Kim Moon-soo / News1
