Kim Releases Screenshots of Aides' Chatroom Conversations
Kim Byunggi, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed the recent media reports regarding allegations about his private life, stating, "The informant is presumed to be a former aide I once worked with, who is now pretending to be a whistleblower using cunning rhetoric." He also released screenshots of Telegram chatroom conversations, which were the direct reason for the dismissal of the former aides.
On December 25, Kim wrote on Facebook, "They have crossed far beyond the line. Although I feel heavy-hearted and distressed, I have decided that now is the time to reveal what happened with them."
He explained, "On December 4, 2024, the day after the illegal martial law incident, I discovered a secret chatroom called 'Yeouido Matdori' created by six aides. Behind their fake smiles, they were making a mockery of the insurrection, secretly photographing a female district council member and sexually harassing her, and viciously attacking me and my family with words too harsh to repeat."
Kim made public some of the contents of the Telegram chatroom. He added, "I will only reveal a very small portion. I have tried to exclude or minimize the most severe profanity as much as possible."
He continued, "On December 9, I notified the six aides of their dismissal. This was not due to personal conflict, but because I personally confirmed conversations that trampled on the minimum standards of human dignity and respect, and included words and actions that are absolutely unacceptable for aides of the Democratic Party."
Kim Byunggi, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Policy Coordination Meeting held at the National Assembly on December 18, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
He stated, "Although all responsibility lies with my own shortcomings, I cannot accept the simplistic narrative that the former aides are absolute victims and I am the absolute perpetrator, nor the distorted story that I am the strong and they are the weak. I will no longer hide the truth."
Kim emphasized, "The words, requests, and favors exchanged in trust at that time have now been twisted and labeled as 'abuse of power.' They secretly recorded conversations with me, then indiscriminately released them, cleverly mixing facts, distortions, and falsehoods."
Nevertheless, he said, "If my actions fell short of the standards and expectations of the public, I take full responsibility. As a public official, I will reflect on myself and ensure that the same mistake is not repeated."
Recently, Kim has been embroiled in controversy over his private life following reports that he used a hotel accommodation voucher received from Korean Air and discussed airport convenience services with the airline.
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