Democratic Party Expels Kim Eunbok, Asan City Council Member, After Suspended Prison Sentence for Fraud

Chungnam Provincial Chapter Holds Emergency Disciplinary Meeting on the 2nd
and Decides on Expulsion

The Chungnam Provincial Chapter of the Democratic Party of Korea expelled Kim Eunbok, Chairman of the Construction and Urban Committee of the Asan City Council, on April 30, after he was sentenced to six months in prison with a one-year suspended sentence in the first trial on charges of fraud.

On May 3, the Chungnam Provincial Chapter of the Democratic Party announced via a notice that it had decided to expel Chairman Kim as a result of an emergency disciplinary action taken the previous day in connection with the controversy surrounding him.

Previously, in July 2018, Chairman Kim proposed to Ms. A, who holds a childcare teacher qualification, "Let's split the profits according to the ratio of partnership funds after acquiring a daycare center," and added, "Since 300 million won is needed for the acquisition, let's each contribute 150 million won."

However, the actual acquisition cost was 150 million won, and investigations found that Chairman Kim intended for Ms. A to bear the entire amount and had no intention of contributing any separate funds himself.

The first trial court stated, "Despite clear evidence, he denied the charges, which reflects poorly on the circumstances after the crime and the nature of the offense. Furthermore, the victim is petitioning for a severe punishment." The court added, "However, we took into consideration that the full amount of damages was deposited with the court."

Meanwhile, according to the Asan City Election Commission, elected public officials lose their right to run for office and consequently their positions if they receive a final sentence of imprisonment or greater.