PPP ethics panel set to look into sexual bribery allegations against party chief
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Lee Jun-seok / Yonhap
The ethics committee of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) was scheduled Wednesday to look into allegations that party Chairman Lee Jun-seok tried to destroy evidence related to an alleged sexual bribery case.
The committee will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. at the National Assembly to decide whether to recommend disciplinary action against Lee.
Lee has been facing allegations that he received sexual services paid for by a businessperson in 2013. While a police investigation is ongoing, the committee will look into Lee's alleged attempt to destroy evidence related to the case.
The allegations are that Lee sent an aide to the person accusing him of sexual bribery to obtain a statement that the claims were false. Lee has strongly claimed that he is innocent, and is expected to attend the committee's hearing and make his case.
This is the first time in the party's history that a party chairman has been referred to the ethics committee and faces possible disciplinary action.
The types of disciplinary action range from a warning to expulsion from the party, though observers speculate that the committee could simply review the case at Wednesday's meeting and announce its decision later.
If it decides to mete out a penalty, this is likely to bring significant repercussions to the PPP, and may push the party to elect a new leader. (Yonhap)