Kim Nam-guk Opposes 'Dismissal' Recommendation... Ruling Party Says "Audacity Has Its Limits"

Kim Nam-guk Expresses Regret Over Expulsion Recommendation
Expulsion Decision Requires Support from 200 Lawmakers

The Ethics Advisory Committee of the National Assembly's Special Ethics Committee has recommended the expulsion of independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk, who has been embroiled in controversy over allegations of large-scale cryptocurrency speculation. Kim Nam-guk has expressed opposition to this recommendation.

Earlier on the 20th, the advisory committee recommended the harshest disciplinary action of expulsion against Kim. This is the highest level of discipline that the Ethics Committee can impose.

On the 21st, independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk posted on his Facebook, expressing doubts about whether "objective and fair standards were applied equitably." Kim stated, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the public due to the cryptocurrency trading controversy," but also expressed regret over the expulsion recommendation.

Independent lawmaker Kim Nam-guk is leaving his office at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the evening of the 26th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Kim also said, "I will actively participate in the remaining procedures of the Special Ethics Committee" and "I will provide more thorough explanations and more faithfully clarify the facts."

The People Power Party criticized Kim's expression of regret, saying, "there is a limit even to audacity." Shin Ju-ho, the senior deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party, said on the same day, "It was none other than Kim himself who refused to submit the materials requested by the advisory committee," adding, "Kim, who rejected the opportunity to clarify, has no right to talk about objectivity, fairness, or equity regarding the advisory committee's conclusion."

Regarding Kim's statement that he will "actively participate in the remaining procedures of the Ethics Committee," the party criticized, "It seems he is trying to buy time during the Ethics Committee process," and added, "It is obvious that his intention is to serve out the remainder of his short parliamentary term."

Meanwhile, the Ethics Committee is expected to decide the level of discipline based on the advisory committee's recommended disciplinary action. If the expulsion proposal passes, the final disciplinary action will be confirmed by a vote in the National Assembly plenary session.

To expel a lawmaker and strip them of their seat, at least 200 members of the National Assembly must vote in favor. Currently, the 21st National Assembly has a total of 299 members: 168 from the Democratic Party, 112 from the People Power Party, 6 from the Justice Party, 1 each from the Basic Income Party, Transition Korea, and Progressive Party, and 10 independents. For Kim's expulsion proposal to pass the plenary session, about 70 Democratic Party lawmakers must vote in favor.

Given the political calculations involved, the voting outcome is difficult to predict. On the 21st, Jang Kyung-tae, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "There will be various calculations to make things difficult for the Democratic Party," and added, "Since the vote on personnel matters is by secret ballot, there may be defections from the People Power Party to frame the party as a shield party."