Democratic Party Ethics Tribunal Decides on Disciplinary Action Equivalent to Expulsion for Jang Kyungtae over Sexual Harassment Allegations

On April 6, the Ethics Tribunal of the Democratic Party of Korea decided on a disciplinary action equivalent to expulsion against independent lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment.

Jang Kyung-tae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is engaged in an unlimited debate on the Constitutional Court Review Act (amendment to the Constitutional Court Act), which was submitted the previous day, at the 8th plenary session of the February extraordinary National Assembly held at the National Assembly on the 27th. 2026.2.27 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Han Dong-soo, the head of the party's Ethics Tribunal, announced after concluding the tribunal meeting at the Yeouido party headquarters that afternoon, "If a member leaves the party for the purpose of evading disciplinary action after the initiation of disciplinary proceedings but before their conclusion, a disciplinary measure equivalent to expulsion will be imposed."

Han explained, "Article 18, Paragraph 1 of the Ethics Tribunal regulations stipulates that if a member withdraws from the party to avoid disciplinary action after proceedings have begun but before they are completed, a sanction equivalent to expulsion must be imposed." He further noted that this measure carries the same effect as expulsion.

Previously, party leadership demanded a severe disciplinary measure equivalent to expulsion after Assemblyman Jang left the party during the Ethics Tribunal's investigation. On the 20th of last month, Assemblyman Jang announced his departure, stating, "I do not wish to cause harm to the party."

Assemblyman Jang is accused of sexually harassing a female aide while drinking with National Assembly staff at a restaurant in Yeouido in October 2024. He is also accused of secondary victimization, including exposing the identity of the woman after the controversy arose. In response, on the 27th of last month, the police referred Assemblyman Jang to the prosecution without detention on charges of quasi-forcible molestation and violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (Confidentiality Obligation).

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