Kim Min-soo, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party. Yonhap News

Expectations are growing within and outside the People Power Party for a swift conclusion to the investigation into the so-called "Party Member Bulletin Board (Dang-ge) incident," which involves allegations concerning the family of former party leader Han Dong-hoon, as the party's disciplinary committee has begun its inquiry. 

Kim Min-soo, a Supreme Council Member classified as pro-Yoon, garnered attention by posting a rational argument on social media (SNS): "If someone who held the position of ruling party leader, instead of dedicating all their efforts to making the administration we built a success, used the Dang-ge to shake our administration from within, how can this be an incident to be overlooked?" He added, "'Dang-ge' was a strong demand from party members, not for political purposes." 

Speaking at the "National Convention for Recovery of Livelihoods and Upholding the Rule of Law" held in front of Chuncheon City Hall, Gangwon Province, on the 30th, Kim dismissed claims that the Dang-ge investigation was politically motivated by Jang Dong-hyuk, stating, "This is not true," and repeatedly emphasized, "The Party Member Bulletin Board investigation is the will of the party members." 

The so-called "Han Dong-hoon Dang-ge incident" refers to allegations that Han's family was involved in a defamatory post about former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, which appeared on the People Power Party's member bulletin board in November last year. The disciplinary committee announced on the 28th in a press release, "We resolve to initiate formal investigation procedures into the controversy surrounding the party member bulletin board that occurred around November 5, 2024, and all subsequent actions." 

It is reported that figures aligned with Han, upon hearing the news of the disciplinary committee's commencement, decided to observe the situation for now without immediate action. 

Meanwhile, there are criticisms emerging from various quarters that a female lawmaker of the People Power Party, classified as pro-Han, recently posted a message on SNS that effectively criticized First Lady Kim Keon-hee, suggesting it reflects the "impatience of the pro-Han faction who have lost their footing." 

This female lawmaker, who had previously expressed agreement with the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol and participated early on in a delegation to China, argued, "We must break away from the tragic history of martial law of a vulgar Kim Keon-hee, who dared to ascend the throne wanting to be queen, and her husband, who disregarded the public and the administration in his attempt to protect Kim Keon-hee." She asserted, "Our primary task before the election is none other than this." 

In response, internet public opinion has been cold, with comments such as "not worth responding to" and "she just wants attention." 

Hanmi Ilbo Editorial Bureau