[News Today] Expulsion of Han deeps internal rift

[LEAD]
Internal divisions are escalating over People Power Party's ethics committee's vote to expel former party leader Han Dong-hoon. Han is calling the move a 'second martial law'. Party chair Jang Dong-hyeok has temporarily put the expulsion on hold pending a review.

[REPORT]
Former People Power Party head Han Dong-hoon visited the National Assembly less than a day after the party ethics committee decided to expel him.

He likened the decision to martial law, denouncing the committee for ousting him who had stopped former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law and protected the party, based on fake, fabricated information.

Han Dong-hoon / Former Chair, People Power Party
Another martial law has been declared, destroying the Constitution and democracy.

Han also directly criticized party Chair Jang Dong-hyeok reaffirming his stance not to reverse the ethics committee's decision.

Han Dong-hoon / Former Chair, People Power Party
Let's get honest. This is about Chair Jang Dong-hyeok working to expel me, who blocked martial law.

He said that he will not ask for a party review, accusing the committee of making the decision based on an already formulated conclusion. Han is expected to take legal action such as an injunction request.

The decision has also triggered backlash from a group of lawmakers close to Han.

Bae Hyun-jin / People Power Party
They have made a political decision, which is extremely subtractive.

Younger lawmakers convened an emergency meeting and placed pressure on the party leadership, expressing concerns over the decision's negative impact on the local elections.

Lee Seong-kweun / People Power Party
It is questionable if moderate and reasonable conservative voters will support this decision.

Party heavyweights also called for a political solution.

Amid this situation, Chairman Jang said in a meeting of the party's supreme leadership committee held Thursday morning that it is necessary to give Han a chance to explain himself and the party will not approve the expulsion until the end of a review period.

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