Wave of Resignation Demands from Political Circles
From Expensive Lunches Before the Audit to Wife’s Misuse of Business Expenses: Mounting Allegations
People Power Party Criticizes Kim’s “Arrogant Attitude”
Reform Party Delivers Blow: “Treating Power Like Personal Slush Fund”
Allegations concerning the personal life and various privileges of Kim Byungki, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, have emerged as a central issue in the political arena. On December 27, both the People Power Party and the Reform Party launched a coordinated attack, fiercely criticizing Kim and demanding his immediate resignation.
Park Sunghoon, Chief Spokesperson for the People Power Party, officially called for Kim’s resignation as a member of the National Assembly in a statement released that day, emphasizing that none of the allegations against Kim should be taken lightly. The wide-ranging accusations listed by Park include: an expensive lunch meeting with a business executive just before a parliamentary audit, acceptance of hotel accommodation vouchers, requests for preferential medical treatment for family members, alleged private misuse of his wife’s business operation expenses, and suspicions that his son performed official duties on his behalf.
The opposition parties have been particularly critical of Kim’s response to the allegations. They argue that he is evading responsibility by issuing an apology on social media while ignoring the core issues, and that his reaction-claiming his family is being "attacked"-is arrogant and dismissive. Park also criticized the Democratic Party, referencing previous controversies involving Assembly members Moon Jinseok, Choi Minhee, and Jang Kyungtae, and accused the party of consistently protecting its own members.
Individual lawmakers within the party also voiced their condemnation. Park Jungha stated on Facebook that “power clouds rational judgment,” delivering a direct blow, while Ko Dongjin criticized the lack of moral standards in politics, saying, “This is the result of unverified or morally unqualified individuals taking positions of power.” Assembly members Kim Mi-ae and Jung Yeonwook also joined the call for Kim’s resignation, urging a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies and swift disciplinary action from the Democratic Party.
The Reform Party also intensified its criticism. In a statement, spokesperson Jeong Euihan asserted, “They treat the authority entrusted by the people as if it were their own slush fund,” and demanded, “Stop tarnishing the honor of the National Assembly and await the judgment of the law.” He further denounced the Democratic Party as the “Corruption Party,” strongly criticizing its loss of self-regulatory capacity at the party level.
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