Lee Jinsook Referred to Party Ethics Committee Over 'May 18 Disparagement' Controversy... People Power Party Says "No Disciplinary Action Considered"

Lee Jinsook, a lawmaker from the People Power Party who hosted a forum at the National Assembly that distorted and disparaged the May 18 Democratic Movement, was referred to the party’s ethics committee on the 17th. However, the party leadership stated, "We are not currently considering disciplinary action."

On this day, a senior party member representing the People Power Party submitted a petition to the party headquarters calling for disciplinary action against Assemblywoman Lee, with the signatures of more than 3,700 senior party members and others attached.

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Donghae is holding an emergency press conference related to the May 18 Democratization Movement at the National Assembly communication office on August 14, 2026. eastsea@yna.co.kr (End)

In the petition, they asserted, "Despite the floor leader's request for cancellation, she ignored it and proceeded with the event," claiming that "this constitutes defiance of the party’s official position." The petition went on to state, "Presenter Lee Younghoon defined the May 18 Democratic Movement as a riot. The argument denying the May 18 Democratic Movement was publicly made in the National Assembly under the name of our party's lawmaker."

They further condemned, "Assemblywoman Lee appeared seated next to Heo Hwapyeong, chairman of the Mirae Korea Foundation, who served as chief secretary to Chun Doo-hwan, the then Chief of Security Command and the person identified as ultimately responsible for the events of May 18," adding, "This is a disastrous incident that shows with whom the People Power Party stands."

Nevertheless, the party leadership said it is not currently considering disciplinary action. Chief Spokesperson Park Sunghoon told reporters at the National Assembly on the same day, "It was an academic event, and Assemblywoman Lee has made it clear that the remarks made at the event do not represent her own position, so at this time, we are not reviewing disciplinary measures." He continued, "The People Power Party has repeatedly stated its official position regarding the May 18 Democratic Movement, and we are listening to the public's concerns." However, he added, "We hope these issues do not lead to excessive political offensives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.