Yoon calls 'drinking party' allegations "low-level fake news"... ruling party files ethics committee complaint against Kim Eui-gyeom (comprehensive)

- The Democratic Party files complaint against Rep. Kim Eui-gyeom to the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee... "Difficult to avoid responsibility"
- Democratic Party moves to amend the Board of Audit and Inspection Act... Yoon draws a line, "Will not interfere with the Board of Audit and Inspection's activities"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Baek Kyunghwan and Kwon Hyunji] President Yoon Seok-yeol criticized the late-night drinking party allegations involving Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon on the 28th, calling them "low-level and childish fake news agitation that disrespects the people." The ruling party decided to file a complaint against Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Eui-gyeom, who raised concerns about the late-night meeting between President Yoon and Minister Han, to the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee.

On the morning of the same day, while heading to the Yongsan Presidential Office, President Yoon responded to reporters' questions about the allegations raised by lawmaker Kim Eui-gyeom by asking, "Any other questions?" before criticizing the claims. President Yoon said, "Honestly, it is even unthinkable to mention it from the president's mouth..." and added, "Isn't the very fact that such remarks come from the president's mouth a matter related to national dignity?"

Earlier, lawmaker Kim raised suspicions during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee’s audit session that in July, President Yoon had a late-night drinking party at a high-end bar in Cheongdam-dong with Minister Han and lawyers from a major law firm. In response, Minister Han strongly denied the allegations, stating, "I am willing to stake any public office, including the position of Minister of Justice." He also announced plans to take legal action, saying, "We will hold The Tam-sa and its affiliates, who spread clear false information via YouTube and other platforms, as well as Kim Eui-gyeom, the Democratic Party spokesperson who admitted to collaborating with them, legally accountable both criminally and civilly."

Lawmaker Kim maintained his stance, saying, "If I am to be held legally responsible for asking whether it is true, I will not evade it," and added, "I will stand firm and fight back. I will also continue to verify whether the information I received is accurate."

The ruling party decided to file a complaint against lawmaker Kim with the Ethics Committee. Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, told reporters after a follow-up meeting on the audit, "We plan to file a complaint with the Ethics Committee today, mainly led by members of the relevant standing committee," and added, "Kim said he collaborated, so I think it will be difficult for him to avoid responsibility." He emphasized, "You cannot do anything hiding behind parliamentary immunity."

Meanwhile, regarding the Democratic Party’s announcement the previous day to propose a party-line bill to strengthen the National Assembly’s control over the Board of Audit and Inspection, President Yoon drew a clear line, stating, "Our government does not interfere or intervene in the audit activities of the Board of Audit and Inspection."