Kim Nam-guk Returns After 17 Days... Ruling and Opposition Parties Debate Voluntary Resignation

The ruling and opposition parties are engaged in a heated debate over the disciplinary action against Representative Kim Nam-guk, who returned to the National Assembly 17 days after disappearing following his departure from the Democratic Party of Korea amid suspicions involving billions worth of cryptocurrency. While the ruling party is raising voices demanding his expulsion, the opposition party holds the view that "it is not to that extent." However, even within the opposition, there are calls for Kim to voluntarily resign.

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Eung-cheon stated on June 1 on KBS's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' "As a representative of the people, he has the duty to receive a salary and devote everything to prioritizing national interests. Isn't this a violation of that? If so, I believe it is appropriate for him to resign voluntarily first," emphasizing the need for Kim's voluntary resignation.

Independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, who left the Democratic Party of Korea amid controversy over virtual asset (cryptocurrency) trading, is leaving his office at the National Assembly on the 31st. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Kim has remained silent regarding resignation. The previous day, when meeting reporters at the National Assembly, he said, "I will sincerely explain according to the procedures decided by the Ethics Committee," but regarding calls for resignation, he said, "This is all I will say," refraining from further comment. It appears he has no intention of resigning voluntarily. The opposition's somewhat sympathetic reactions, such as calling it a 'witch hunt,' support this speculation.

Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Hoon-sik also said on KBS radio that day, "It is not right to premise this on voluntary resignation," adding, "Since the matter has been referred to the Ethics Committee, I believe it is appropriate to follow the committee's decision." He continued, "Kim himself said he would thoroughly explain and clarify things at the Ethics Committee, so it is right for lawmakers to make judgments there. Prematurely assuming voluntary resignation before criminal charges or other matters are clear is not appropriate."

Lawmaker Yang Yi-won-young also said on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' that "Currently, there are many lawmakers who are under prosecution or have been convicted in the first trial. However, there is no unified guideline on whether they should resign if under investigation or convicted in the first trial," advising Kim, "You should say that this does not apply to you." This means there is no party standard to demand Kim Nam-guk resign over a matter where he has not even been convicted in the first trial.

The ruling party responded by calling for "moral responsibility." People Power Party lawmaker Song Eon-seok said on KBS radio, "Resigning from the National Assembly is not necessarily because legal issues have been confirmed or because of investigation results from the prosecution or police, but it can be done out of moral and political responsibility," pointing out, "Former lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook resigned due to a real estate issue not related to herself but involving her father, with whom she had little contact."

Kim, who broke his disappearance and returned, is responding aggressively to the ruling party's allegations of money laundering, calling them "blatant falsehoods" and warning of legal action. Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won, who anticipated Kim's return, said on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that "He should come out and conduct his legislative activities proudly and properly as a lawmaker, cooperate sincerely with the Ethics Committee, and since the prosecution's investigation is currently ongoing, explain sincerely. 'Hide away, Kim Nam-guk' is not the way. He should act proudly, manly, and as a proper lawmaker," sharing this behind-the-scenes story and adding, "(Kim) said he would do so."