Refutes Claims of Family Receiving Special Treatment Overseas via Social Media
Kim Byung-gi, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, issued an additional statement on the 24th regarding allegations that he received hospitality from Korean Air and others. In response to the repeated allegations, he claimed, "A staff member with whom I have fallen out is now distorting the situation."
On this day, through social networking services (SNS), Kim stated, "It is unfortunate that the dispute over the facts keeps repeating, but nevertheless, I will clarify," as he refuted reports that he received an 800,000 won per night accommodation voucher from Korean Air and that his family was provided with special conveniences during their visit to Vietnam.
Kim Byung-ki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the plenary session of the National Assembly on the 24th and conversing with lawmakers. 2025.12.24 Photo by Kim Hyun-min
He admitted, "It was wrong to use the accommodation voucher," but added, "It seems that 800,000 won per night and 340,000 won per night are different matters." Previously, a media outlet had reported as if Kim had enjoyed accommodation benefits worth 1.6 million won. In response, Kim stated in a position paper the previous day, "Upon checking, as of 2025, the current selling price is in the mid-300,000 won range per night, including breakfast for two," and added, "I will immediately return the accommodation cost."
He also addressed separate reports that his family received special conveniences overseas. He explained, "When my daughter-in-law and grandson entered Hanoi in 2023, they did not receive any assistance from the branch manager in Hanoi," and added, "A staff member, upon learning that my six-month-old grandson would be departing, said they would request assistance from Korean Air, but my daughter-in-law applied for a private fast track service and said it was unnecessary." He continued, "Although a staff member with whom I have fallen out is now distorting the situation, I do not wish to blame them for this issue," and explained, "Even if the staff member proceeded with the matter regardless of my intentions, at the time, I believed it was done with good intentions and a desire to help."
Regarding the circumstances surrounding whether his wife was provided with any conveniences when she visited Vietnam using Korean Air, he clarified, "My wife did not use the prestige counter or lounge," and explained, "Although the staff member said they made a request to Korean Air, my wife declined and waited at the duty-free shop before departure."
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