[WORD_ON_THE_WEB] 'Get your act together, we're not fools'

The People Power Party (PPP) has fallen into chaos after the suspension of the party chair after allegations he accepted sexual flavors and then tried to cover up the scandal. PPP lawmakers will discuss how to handle the unprecedented situation by holding a series of meetings on July 11.

In a radio interview, Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the PPP, refused to step down on Friday.

“According to the regulations of the ethics committee, the head of the party has the power to determine a disciplinary action," Lee said. "I would defer the punishment if the situation is not convincing.”

However, the PPP’s floor leader said he will be acting party leader for six months. He will also organize a meeting of the supreme council of the party on July 11. The floor leader's comments imply that Lee could return to the position after six months.

#focusing_on_the_wrong_thing
“The economy is being hit hard by high prices, high interest rates and high exchange rates. The lawmakers don’t care about that. They’re only trying to hold on to power.”
“What’s wrong with them? They’re ruining the country. Get your act together, we're not fools.”

#justice_will_prevail
“The head has been causing fractures and confusion in the party. I hope the party will be well-organized and ordered.”
“Lee’s party membership should be suspended for six months. That is justice. He should be heavily punished.”

#it's_a_misjudgment
“The ruling party has gained a lot from Lee. If he leaves the post, they will lose a lot.”
“The PPP is out of their mind. The Democratic Party will be so delighted. I’ve been supporting the PPP for more than 30 years, but this time the ethics committee definitely made a mistake.”

BY LEE SI-YEONG, BY HAN HYE-RIM [han.hyerim1@joongang.co.kr]