Choo Kyung-ho's Arrest Warrant Hearing: Will It Determine the Fate of the People Power Party?

Tensions are soaring in political circles as analysts suggest the potential arrest of Representative Choo Kyung-ho could determine the political fate of the People Power Party (PPP). With the opposition party reviving arguments for dissolving parties deemed unconstitutional, the PPP is reportedly facing an existential crisis. A hearing on the validity of Choo Kyung-ho's arrest warrant is scheduled for November 9th. Choo is accused of engaging in insurrectionary activities. Depending on the court's decision, the PPP's political survival could be severely threatened. The PPP is on high alert, anxiously monitoring the possibility of Choo Kyung-ho's arrest. Such an outcome would not only severely damage the party's image but also potentially trigger an expanded special prosecutor investigation, raising concerns within the party. In particular, if Choo is arrested, a re-examination of the past parliamentary fast-track clash is inevitable, and the possibility of holding the party leadership accountable for the incident cannot be ruled out. That incident caused extreme conflict between the ruling and opposition parties and remains a major point of contention in the political arena. Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae argued that "Obstructing martial law lifting is grounds for party dissolution," claiming that if former floor leader Choo Kyung-ho obstructed the vote to lift martial law in the past, it constitutes grounds for dissolving the PPP. Representative Chung's remarks can be interpreted as a threat to the PPP's very existence, not just Choo's arrest. The Democratic Party is expected to further increase pressure on the PPP in the wake of this situation. Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo recently mentioned the possibility of the PPP being dissolved on his social media, heightening the sense of crisis within the party. Hong's comments are seen as a call for internal reform, but also reflect anxiety about the party's future. Hong has repeatedly warned of the party's crisis in the past.

His remarks are resonating with senior members of the party, intensifying calls for reform. If Choo Kyung-ho is arrested, the related special prosecutor's investigation is likely to expand further, which could place another burden on the PPP. The special prosecutor plans to conduct the investigation based on the data secured so far and may consider additional searches and seizures and summonses of related parties as necessary. A special prosecutor official stated, "We will thoroughly investigate and uncover the truth, leaving all possibilities open." The first trial verdict in the parliamentary fast-track clash case is scheduled for November 20, 2025. The case stems from a physical confrontation between ruling and opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly, resulting in numerous lawmakers being indicted on charges of assault. The outcome of the trial is expected to have a significant impact on the political situation. In particular, the possibility of further deepening conflict between the ruling and opposition parties is being raised depending on the verdict. The decision on whether to issue an arrest warrant for Choo Kyung-ho is expected to be made late in the afternoon of the 9th. Depending on the court's decision, the PPP is expected to reach a critical political turning point. If the arrest warrant is issued, the PPP is expected to face a strong backlash, including demands for the party leadership to resign. On the other hand, if it is rejected, the party is expected to gain a favorable position in the competition for political leadership, despite strong criticism from the opposition party. The outcome of this arrest warrant hearing for Choo Kyung-ho is not just a personal matter, but a critical issue that could have a major impact on the PPP's survival and the future political landscape. The political world is focused on the court's decision.