Coin Controversy Kim Nam-guk Faces "Severe Disciplinary Action" Inevitable Within Party

National Assembly Ethics Special Committee Refers 'Kim Nam-guk Disciplinary Proposal' to Advisory Committee
Ahn Min-seok "Severe Disciplinary Action Expected from Ethics Committee"
Ongoing Calls Within Party for 'Voluntary Resignation'

Disciplinary discussions at the National Assembly have begun in earnest regarding independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, who sparked controversy over allegations of virtual asset (coin) speculation. While both ruling and opposition parties emphasize swift action, even within the party, it is seen as inevitable that a 'severe disciplinary action' will be taken.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 31st, Ahn Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on BBS Radio and said, "A severe disciplinary action is expected from the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee (Ethics Committee)," adding, "I think (Lawmaker Kim) himself will have to accept the Ethics Committee's severe disciplinary action."

Ahn said, "Lawmaker Kim himself acknowledged and apologized for trading coins in the standing committee. There doesn't seem to be any further explanation needed," adding, "It would be good for both the party and Lawmaker Kim himself to swiftly carry out the disciplinary action and for him to accept it." He meant that continuing controversy is undesirable. He also emphasized, "The Democratic Party should quickly get out of the swamp of Kim Nam-guk."

While a severe disciplinary action from the Ethics Committee seems inevitable, Ahn drew the line at the highest level of 'expulsion from the National Assembly.' He said, "There will likely be controversy regarding expulsion from the National Assembly," and added, "Regarding a 30-day suspension from attending the Assembly, I think all members of the Ethics Committee can agree on that level."

Disciplinary actions for National Assembly members are divided into four stages: ▲warning in a public meeting ▲apology in a public meeting ▲suspension from attendance for up to 30 days ▲expulsion. The disciplinary proposal for Lawmaker Kim was submitted to the full meeting of the National Assembly Ethics Committee the previous day and referred to the Ethics Review Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) within the special committee. The Advisory Committee is composed of external experts within the Ethics Committee, and once the disciplinary proposal is referred to the Advisory Committee, the review can last up to two months. However, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to expedite the disciplinary process the previous day, reducing the Advisory Committee's deadline for submitting opinions to one month. After the Advisory Committee's review, the disciplinary proposal for Lawmaker Kim is expected to be approved by the Ethics Committee's disciplinary subcommittee and full meeting before being presented to the plenary session.

Whether Lawmaker Kim will attend the Ethics Committee meeting is also a point of interest. On the previous day, Byun Jae-il, chairman of the Ethics Committee, responded to reporters' questions about Kim's attendance by saying, "We plan to have Lawmaker Kim attend the Ethics Committee full meeting held after the Advisory Committee's discussion to hear his explanation." If Lawmaker Kim refuses to attend the Ethics Committee meeting, the disciplinary level is expected to increase. Chairman Byun explained, "If he refuses to attend when called by the Ethics Committee, the disciplinary level will be considerably higher," adding, "This is because the person who can defend himself loses the grounds to defend."

Within the party, voices are also calling for Lawmaker Kim's voluntary resignation. On the previous day, Park Soo-hyun, former Blue House Chief of Public Communication, said on YTN Radio, "There seems to be a considerable opinion within the party that rather than expulsion or similar measures being discussed in some quarters, he could consider voluntarily resigning from his position as a breakthrough." On the 29th, Wi Cheol-hwan, head of the Democratic Party Ethics Tribunal, also directly stated on MBC Radio, "Fundamentally, I think his qualification as a National Assembly member is in question."

On the 30th, the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee (Ethics Committee) is discussing the disciplinary agenda for Independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, who sparked controversy over a large virtual asset investment. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the same day, Yoon Geon-young said on KBS Radio, "I think Lawmaker Kim himself is probably considering various things," adding, "I believe he is likely contemplating what it truly means to take responsibility."

Kim Young-jin, a pro-Moon Jae-in faction second-term lawmaker, also appeared on CBS Radio that day and criticized, "Personally, I think Lawmaker Kim was inappropriate and wrong in terms of the attitude, principles, and ethical norms that a National Assembly member should have." However, regarding calls within the party for voluntary resignation, he said, "It could be remarks made by senior politicians or those who have been in politics for a long time who care about and love Lawmaker Kim, and it could be normative opinions that as a National Assembly member, he should naturally do so," adding, "I think the decision about Lawmaker Kim's future should be made by himself."

He added, "Lawmaker Kim will carefully consider and decide by sufficiently referring to the views and opinions of the residents of Danwon-gu, Ansan, who elected him," reiterating, "It is necessary for Lawmaker Kim himself to judge and decide what is the right course of action regarding his various behaviors."

Meanwhile, Lawmaker Kim broke his silence and went to the National Assembly Members' Office Building in the morning. It was about half a month since June 14.