Ethics Special Committee Chair Kim Chungon: "The Democratic Party Must Actively Cooperate with the Investigation"

Chairman Kim Choon-gon of the Seoul Metropolitan Council Ethics Special Committee urges the Democratic Party of Korea's cooperation in investigations according to local regulations

Proposal to amend the Local Autonomy Act to enhance the operation of local council ethics special committees

The Ethics Special Committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Council (Chairman Kim Choon-gon · photo, People Power Party, Gangseo 4) held a meeting on the 30th to conduct a special investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations against former Democratic Party of Korea Seoul Metropolitan Council floor leader Jeong Jin-sul, which were raised in the media last April.

Chungon Kim, Chair of the Ethics Special Committee

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Council, immediately after the sexual misconduct allegations against Councilor Jeong Jin-sul and the expulsion decision by the Democratic Party of Korea Seoul Metropolitan Council were reported by multiple media outlets on April 7, an investigation request related to this matter was submitted to the Ethics Special Committee in accordance with relevant local regulations. On May 3, the Ethics Special Committee approved the investigation plan at its first meeting.

Chairman Kim Choon-gon expressed regret, stating, “Following the investigation plan approved by the Ethics Special Committee, we requested the Democratic Party of Korea Seoul Metropolitan Council on May 10 and 24 to submit disciplinary details and materials for fact verification, but we have not received any response from the Democratic Party, making it difficult to confirm the facts.”

He added, “At the request of the Ethics Special Committee members, we plan to once again demand that the Democratic Party of Korea submit specific reasons for Councilor Jeong Jin-sul’s expulsion,” and urged, “The Democratic Party has an obligation to clearly explain to the citizens of Seoul and the Seoul Metropolitan Council the reasons for imposing the highest level of discipline, expulsion, on its member,” requesting their cooperation in the investigation.

Furthermore, he mentioned, “As citizens’ expectations for local councilors continue to grow, the importance of the Ethics Special Committee is increasing,” and stated, “To ensure the effectiveness of investigations into various allegations against affiliated councilors, we plan to propose to the government and the National Assembly the establishment of penalty provisions that grant the Ethics Special Committee authority related to investigations, including obligations to appear and submit materials.”

At the Ethics Special Committee meeting held that day, Councilor Jeong Jin-sul, who attended, clarified that the reason for his expulsion was not due to ‘sexual misconduct’ as publicly known.