Amid the People Power Party’s Audit and Inspection Committee recommending a severe disciplinary action against former Supreme Council member Kim Chong-hyuk of the pro-Han faction to the party’s Ethics Committee, on the 17th, Party Audit and Inspection Committee Chairman Lim Ho-sun publicly released the committee’s disciplinary recommendation resolution, while former member Kim Chong-hyuk disclosed his written response.
The People Power Party Audit and Inspection Committee had been investigating former member Kim, who appeared on media outlets between September and October 2025 and allegedly disparaged the party and its members, using derogatory expressions toward People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok and others. Subsequently, on the 16th, the committee recommended a severe disciplinary action of ‘suspension of party membership for two years’ to the Ethics Committee regarding former Supreme Council member Kim.
Party Audit and Inspection Committee Chairman Lim Ho-sun publicly released the disciplinary recommendation resolution regarding former member Kim on his blog that day. According to the resolution released by Chairman Lim, the committee stated that former member Kim’s use of expressions such as ‘fascist,’ ‘delusional patient,’ and ‘cult follower’ toward the party leadership fell ‘outside the scope protected by freedom of expression.’
Regarding former member Kim’s use of expressions such as ‘delusion,’ ‘far-right,’ ‘a mere handful,’ and ‘extremists spreading the delusion virus,’ the committee noted, ‘The targets of these expressions appear to be party members who claim election fraud, support martial law, and are referred to as the so-called “under-jjinyun.”’ The committee added, ‘Even if, as the disciplinary subject claims, these expressions refer to a “minority,” that “minority” are nonetheless legitimate members of the People Power Party. The conclusion that party members with differing views can be freely labeled as mentally ill is itself a typical logic of “fascism,” which the disciplinary subject criticizes.’
The Audit and Inspection Committee stated that former member Kim compared the party to ‘fascism’ and the ‘North Korean Workers’ Party,’ adding, ‘While the disciplinary subject claims these are merely “warning rhetoric” and not actual comparisons, this reflects either ignorance of language’s social function or intentional evasion. (This is) not a “warning” but an “accusation” and “propaganda.”’ Regarding former member Kim’s claim that remarks about Shincheonji and the Unification Church are ‘factual criticism’ rather than religious discrimination or hate speech, the committee noted, ‘Labeling specific religious believers as “cults” and questioning their very right to join the party is clear religious discrimination.’
Former member Kim also publicly released his written response to the Audit and Inspection Committee on his Facebook that day. In his response, regarding his September remark, ‘Forcing everyone to voice the same opinion is itself fascist,’ Kim stated, ‘I do not believe that the national unity mentioned in the party constitution means everyone must voice the same opinion. A political party is an organization where diverse opinions and voices must exist and indeed should exist.’
In his response, Kim noted, ‘I have consistently criticized the Democratic Party’s proposed trial suspension law, law distortion law, and establishment of a dedicated insurrection trial division as resembling Hitler’s People’s Court.’ He added, ‘I have also compared the expansion of the Justice Department to the authoritarian politics in Venezuela,’ and asked, ‘Does the committee consider such critiques incorrect?’
Regarding his remark about ‘people spreading the delusion virus,’ former member Kim stated, ‘Claiming past elections were fraudulent is close to delusion,’ and noted, ‘The People Power Party’s official stance is that there was no election fraud.’ He added, ‘Pointing out that those claiming election fraud and advocating for martial law are spreading a delusion virus cannot be deemed wrong by common sense, and criticizing this as “depicting party members as mentally ill” is hard to defend against accusations of forced interpretation.’
Concerning remarks about the entry of Shincheonji and Unification Church members, Kim stated, ‘Investigations by the special counsel and the individuals’ own statements confirmed that Unification Church followers entered the party in large numbers,’ and added, ‘There have also been reports that Shincheonji members have joined our party in large numbers.’ He noted, ‘Regardless of political inclination, those who joined the party under the orders of a cult leader or religious organization cannot be viewed the same as normal party members.’
**Decision Document**
Case of Disciplinary Referral for Alleged Violations of Party Constitution, Regulations, and Ethics Rules
Disciplinary Subject: Kim Chong-hyuk, former Supreme Council member and current head of the Goyang City B Party Cooperation Committee, People Power Party
Main Text:
1. Refer Kim Chong-hyuk to the Ethics Committee for alleged violations of the party constitution and regulations.
2. Recommend a disciplinary action of ‘suspension of party membership for two years.’
Rationale:
1. Relevant Party Constitution and Regulations
The People Power Party constitution reflects a commitment to national unity and rejects past divisions, while its Ethics Committee regulations and ethics rules explicitly prohibit actions that harm the party’s reputation or discriminate against members.
2. Position of the Disciplinary Subject
Kim Chong-hyuk served as a former Supreme Council member and currently holds the position of head of the Goyang City B Party Cooperation Committee.
3. Overview of Alleged Violations
Between September and October 2025, Kim appeared on multiple external media outlets, including *Monthly JoongAng*, MBC Radio, and YouTube channels (Political Aissa, One-Punch Victory), repeatedly making defamatory and discriminatory remarks about the party leadership and members. Key allegations include:
– Comparing the party to ‘fascist’ and ‘North Korean Workers’ Party’ systems.
– Labeling party members as ‘delusional patients spreading a virus’ and ‘extremists.’
– Using derogatory terms like ‘a mere handful’ and ‘far-right forces,’ as well as discriminatory references to ‘cult followers’ (Shincheonji).
– Insulting the party leader with terms like ‘sold his soul’ and ‘two-timing.’
– Publicly declaring non-compliance with party decisions.
4. Evaluation of the Disciplinary Subject’s Claims
Kim argued his remarks were ‘protected criticism’ and ‘warning rhetoric,’ not actual comparisons or discrimination. However, the committee rejected these claims, stating:
– Labeling members as ‘delusional’ or ‘cult followers’ constitutes dehumanization, akin to historical precedents of political exclusion.
– External media appearances bypassing internal party procedures amount to ‘propaganda,’ not constructive criticism.
– Religious discrimination is prohibited by both the constitution and party rules.
5. Severity of the Violation
Kim’s actions, made under his official title, damaged the party’s reputation and undermined its foundational principles. His refusal to reflect or retract statements increases the risk of recurrence.
6. Disciplinary Recommendation
Given the gravity of the violations, Kim’s senior position, and lack of remorse, the committee recommends a two-year suspension. Repeated offenses could lead to expulsion.
**Appendix**: List of Kim Chong-hyuk’s remarks.
The People Power Party Audit and Inspection Committee hereby resolves as stated above.
December 16, 2025
People Power Party Audit and Inspection Committee
