People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk speaks at a supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 12. [Yonhap News]

Following up on the adoption of a resolution calling for "de-Yoonization" (cutting ties with former President Yoon Suk-yeol) signed by all members of the People Power Party, Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk has decided to suspend all internal disciplinary discussions until the local elections.

At a supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 12th, Jang stated, "We request the Ethics Committee to refrain from any further discussions on all disciplinary cases referred to it until the local elections conclude."

He further commented at the supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly, "This was discussed at the general assembly of lawmakers, and it is also a measure for us to unite and campaign vigorously for the election."

He also urged, "Every word and action of those in party leadership positions can be perceived as the party's stance and carries significant weight. I ask everyone in party leadership to refrain from making comments on internal party issues or personnel matters going forward."

He added, "I urge internal party members to focus on the struggle against the opposing party rather than getting bogged down in our internal issues. Instead of wasting our energy on internal matters, I believe this is the time to pool our strength for victory in the local elections through a proper struggle against the opposing party."

In response, Floor Leader Song Eon-seok stated at the meeting, "I express my respect and gratitude for Leader Jang's remarks."

After the supreme council meeting, Chief Spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon told reporters that Jang's request to suspend disciplinary action was "a follow-up measure to Article 3 of the resolution signed by all lawmakers, which states that all actions and statements that amplify conflict among party members should be suspended and efforts should be made for great unity."

When asked if disciplinary discussions concerning individuals like Ko Sung-guk and Jeon Han-gil would also be suspended, he replied, "While I haven't been able to confirm all specific cases referred to the Ethics Committee, the request was to not discuss any cases until the local elections are over."

Currently, the People Power Party's Ethics Committee has cases pending against eight current and former lawmakers who accompanied former leader Han Dong-hoon on his visit to Daegu, as well as far-right figure Ko Sung-guk.

Some interpret the party leadership's request for follow-up measures to the "de-Yoonization" declaration as an attempt to provide a justification for Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who has not yet applied for candidacy, to register for the election.

Mayor Oh, who has consistently called for a break in his relationship with former President Yoon Suk-yeol, evaluated the "de-Yoonization" resolution as "having laid the minimal groundwork for conducting an election." However, he has also stated, "The de-Yoonization resolution must be implemented through action, not just declaration."

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon greet each other. [Yonhap News]