Power Struggles in Korea’s Conservative Party: Ahn Cheol-soo’s ‘Double Kwon Purge’ and Kwon Young-se’s Fierce Response

A Sudden Political Earthquake: What Happened in the People Power Party?

Did you know that Korea’s main conservative party is currently experiencing one of its biggest internal crises? On July 7, 2025, Ahn Cheol-soo, a prominent lawmaker, resigned as head of the party’s Innovation Committee and called for the expulsion of two senior figures, Kwon Young-se and Kwon Seong-dong. He argued that their leadership during the last presidential election led to defeat and that genuine reform required their removal. This bombshell announcement was made at a press conference in Yeouido, drawing immediate national attention. The move was seen by many as a direct challenge to the party’s old guard and a bold attempt to reset the party’s direction. However, not everyone saw it as a noble act of reform. The party’s internal divisions, previously simmering beneath the surface, exploded into public view, with accusations and counter-accusations flying across media and social networks.

Kwon Young-se’s Counterattack: ‘Ahn Is Fueling Division for Personal Gain’

Kwon Young-se, former acting leader of the People Power Party, didn’t hold back. On his social media, he accused Ahn of ‘dragging the party into chaos for his own interests, disguising personal ambition as reform.’ Kwon’s post quickly went viral, with many party loyalists rallying behind him. He lamented that, at a time when the party should be united and focusing on rebuilding after a tough electoral loss, some individuals were instead stoking division and undermining collective efforts. Kwon’s supporters echoed his sentiment, claiming that Ahn’s move was less about genuine innovation and more about positioning himself for the upcoming party leadership race. This narrative gained traction in conservative online communities, where users debated whether Ahn’s actions were courageous or self-serving.

Ahn Cheol-soo’s Justification: The Need for Radical Reform

Ahn, for his part, defended his actions in interviews and on radio shows. He insisted that his resignation and call for a ‘Double Kwon Purge’ were not premeditated steps toward running for party leader, but a last-ditch effort to force the party to confront its failures. Ahn argued that unless those responsible for the previous election debacle were held accountable, any talk of innovation would be meaningless. He stressed that his proposals for personnel changes were repeatedly rejected by the party’s emergency leadership, leaving him no choice but to step down and speak out. For many reform-minded supporters, Ahn’s stance resonated as a necessary wake-up call, while critics accused him of grandstanding and destabilizing the party at a crucial moment.

Community Reactions: Online Fandoms and the Battle of Comments

If you browse Korean online communities like DC Inside, FM Korea, Theqoo, and Instiz, you’ll see just how divided public opinion is. On DC Inside’s political board, some users praised Ahn as a ‘true reformer’ willing to take risks, while others mocked him as an opportunist. FM Korea threads were filled with memes about the ‘Double Kwon Purge,’ with users debating whether the party needed a generational change or if Ahn was simply causing unnecessary drama. On Theqoo and Instiz, comments ranged from ‘Finally, someone is standing up to the old guard!’ to ‘This is just another episode of political theater.’ Naver and Daum blog posts dissected every move, with some bloggers expressing hope that this conflict might finally force the party to modernize, while others warned that prolonged infighting could doom the party’s chances in future elections.

Cultural Context: Why Is Leadership Change So Contentious in Korean Politics?

To understand why this issue is so explosive, you need to know a bit about Korean political culture. In Korea, political parties are often built around strong personalities rather than stable institutions. Leadership transitions can be brutal, with public purges and factional battles common. The ‘Double Kwon Purge’ is especially symbolic because both Kwon Young-se and Kwon Seong-dong are seen as representatives of the party’s traditional establishment. Calls for their removal tap into a broader generational divide within Korean conservatism, pitting reformers against loyalists. For international fans of Korean politics, this episode offers a window into the country’s passionate, sometimes chaotic, approach to party leadership and reform.

Media and Blog Coverage: How the Story Spread and Evolved

Since the controversy erupted, Korean media outlets like Hankyung, Kyunghyang, Chosun Ilbo, and MBC have published dozens of articles analyzing every twist and turn. Headlines described the situation as a ‘full-scale civil war’ and a ‘battle for the party’s soul.’ Naver and Tistory bloggers provided on-the-ground perspectives, with some even live-blogging reactions from party meetings and press conferences. Many bloggers noted that this kind of open confrontation is rare in Korean politics, where backroom deals and silent power shifts are more common. The story also trended on Korean Twitter, with hashtags like #DoubleKwonPurge and #PartyReform gaining traction.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead for the People Power Party

So, what’s likely to happen next? Party insiders suggest that the feud will intensify as the leadership election approaches. Acting leader Song Eon-seok has tried to calm the situation, promising to reconstitute the Innovation Committee and urging unity, but few believe the wounds will heal quickly. Some analysts predict that the party could split, while others think the crisis might force a long-overdue reckoning with its leadership culture. For now, all eyes are on Ahn Cheol-soo and the ‘Double Kwon’ duo as they maneuver for advantage. One thing is certain: this drama is far from over, and its outcome could reshape the future of Korean conservatism.