Seoul: The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) announced the expulsion of former party chief Han Dong-hoon over defamatory online posts targeting former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife. This decision, finalized by the party's supreme council, follows a vote by the ethics committee which cited damage to the party's image as the reason for Han's ousting.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Han's family was accused of posting derogatory comments on the party's website about Yoon, who was removed from office after attempting to declare martial law in December 2024, and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. The expulsion is seen as the culmination of ongoing internal conflicts within the conservative party, which is grappling with declining public support after Yoon's controversial actions.

In response to his expulsion, Han urged his supporters and fellow party members not to lose hope, emphasizing their role as "owners of the party and conservatism." During a press conference at the National Assembly, Han stated, "Today, I was expelled. Although (the party) can expel me, it cannot break my determination for good politics for the people. Please wait for me. I will return."

Once a close ally of the ousted president, Han backed Yoon's impeachment following the martial law declaration and stepped down as party leader. Despite apologizing for the controversy, Han has denounced the expulsion as "manipulation" and "political retaliation."

Han's expulsion coincided with the return of party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who resumed his duties after an eight-day hunger strike. Jang demanded a special counsel investigation into allegations involving the Unification Church and bribery related to ruling party nominations. As the June 3 local elections approach, Jang aims to rebrand the party and restore its image tarnished by Yoon's martial law attempt.

However, the party is experiencing deepening factional strife. Sixteen PPP lawmakers aligned with Han have publicly opposed his expulsion, calling for the leadership to resign. They criticized Jang's leadership as "unconstitutional and undemocratic," accusing him of prioritizing personal political interests.

In a press conference at the National Assembly, they stressed, "The decision to expel former leader Han is a serious move that harms the party, and we cannot accept it." They urged the current leadership to take responsibility and step down, emphasizing the necessity of this action for the party to succeed in the upcoming local elections.