PPP Non-Incumbent Chapter Heads Say "Jeong Seongguk Must Resign"... Fallout From Caucus Clash Continues

As People Power Party Supreme Council Member Cho Gwanghan and Rep. Jeong Seongguk engaged in a heated exchange at a party caucus on the 2nd, non-incumbent district chapter heads called for Rep. Jeong’s resignation. They also stated that if he does not show a responsible attitude, such as offering an apology, they may request disciplinary action from the party’s Ethics Committee.

Hong Hyungseon, acting chair of the People Power Party's Council of Non-Parliamentary Party Association Chairpersons, and other non-parliamentary party association chairpersons issued a statement at the National Assembly press briefing room on the 3rd criticizing Representative Jung Seongguk over his heated exchange at the party's parliamentary meeting the previous day, during which Jung questioned Supreme Council member Cho Gwanghan's eligibility to attend the meeting. Yonhap

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A total of 78 non-incumbent district chapter heads belonging to the People Power Party’s Council of Non-Incumbent Chapter Chairs issued a statement at the National Assembly press center in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 3rd titled “Arrogant, self-righteous, and rude behavior steeped in a sense of privilege: Rep. Jeong must resign immediately.”

The chapter heads said, “We, the more than 140 non-incumbent district chapter heads, regard the rude and arrogant behavior that Rep. Jeong showed toward Supreme Council Member Cho Gwanghan at yesterday’s party caucus as an insult to all of us non-incumbent district chapter heads.”

They continued, “Supreme Council Member Cho is the district chapter head for Namyangju (C) in Gyeonggi Province and an appointed Supreme Council member who represents the voices of 140 non-incumbent district chapter heads,” adding, “For him to jab his finger and hurl informal language at such a colleague, saying, ‘You are not even a lawmaker, how dare you,’ is a political outrage that undermines the very foundation of party order.”

The chapter heads demanded of Rep. Jeong, “Take responsibility for this situation and resign your parliamentary seat immediately.” They also stressed, “If Rep. Jeong does not offer a sincere apology and demonstrate responsible action, we will stand in solidarity with party members and hold him politically and ethically accountable to the very end.”

They have indicated that they may request disciplinary action against Rep. Jeong from the party’s Ethics Committee going forward. Hong Hyungseon, acting chair of the People Power Party’s Council of Non-Incumbent Chapter Chairs, told reporters that day, “No position has been finalized regarding (Ethics Committee discipline),” but added, “Within the council of district chapter heads, that option is also under consideration.”

Previously, it was reported that Supreme Council Member Cho and pro-Han lawmakers, including Rep. Jeong, engaged in a heated exchange, including finger-pointing, during the caucus held the previous day. The incident occurred at the caucus convened to hear an explanation from the party leadership regarding the decision by the party’s first- and second-term lawmakers’ group, “Alternative and Future,” to expel former party leader Han.

Supreme Council Member Cho stated on social media (SNS) the previous day, “As a Supreme Council member who voted in favor of expelling former leader Han, I attended the caucus at the request of the floor leader’s office.” He also explained that Rep. Jeong and others first made insulting remarks and shouted at him, asking, “How can you attend the caucus when you are not a lawmaker?” which led to the argument.

By contrast, Rep. Jeong countered on the morning of the 3rd, saying, “After finishing his remarks, Supreme Council Member Cho left the caucus room, pointed his finger at me, and made a provocative remark, saying, ‘Hey you, come out.’” He went on to claim, “I could not just stand by, so I followed him out and protested strongly, and even in that process I did not use abusive language.”

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