Atmosphere Favors Apology and Clarification Over Resignation
Party Adopts a "Wait and See" Approach for Now
Party Members Say, "If He Fails to Explain, Calls for Resignation Will Grow"
With Kim Byung-ki, the floor leader, expected to announce his position regarding the allegations on the 30th, the Democratic Party of Korea maintained a strong “wait and see” stance. The party intends to observe whether the series of allegations raised against him can be adequately explained. However, there is skepticism within the party about whether an apology and explanation alone will be enough to resolve the current controversy, given the nature of the allegations.
On the 29th, Kim attended the Supreme Council meeting of the Democratic Party held in Muan, Jeollanam-do, where he expressed condolences regarding the passenger plane disaster that occurred a year ago, carrying out his normal duties as floor leader. Regarding the disaster, Kim stated, “The cause of the accident must be revealed, and those responsible must be held accountable,” adding, “We will uncover the full truth through a parliamentary investigation.” He also expressed his commitment to a special investigation into the Unification Church and Shincheonji, as well as to the development of the Honam region, declaring, “We will achieve the complete end of the 2026 rebellion and establish a truly democratic Republic of Korea.”
However, Kim’s position within the party has become extremely precarious. As former aides continue to raise additional allegations, lawsuits have been filed regarding how Kim obtained and disclosed conversations from his aides’ group chat. In addition, civic groups have indicated their intention to file complaints against Kim, alleging that he received sponsorship funds in connection with his parliamentary audit questions.
On the morning of the 29th, the first anniversary of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster on December 29, Kim Byung-ki, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the on-site Supreme Council meeting held at Seungdal Culture and Arts Center in Muan-eup, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News.
With Kim set to announce his position, the party intends to carefully review his explanation amid ongoing concerns. Based on various circumstances, it appears Kim is considering an apology and clarification rather than resignation. Lawmakers are expressing cautious positions both publicly and privately.
Park Soo-hyun, the chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party, said in a KBS radio interview, “The public wants to hear an explanation of what happened and also expects an apology,” adding, “He will announce his position regarding himself tomorrow.”
However, if his explanation is deemed insufficient, calls for his resignation are likely to intensify. A senior lawmaker from the Seoul metropolitan area commented, “Whether Kim believes he can explain everything is a decision only he can make. If he cannot provide a convincing explanation, he may have to reconsider his position.” The key issue is whether Kim’s explanation can satisfy public doubts. Park Beom-gye, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said in a YTN radio interview, “He knows best whether this is a matter that can be explained calmly or whether he needs to make a bold decision.”
Meanwhile, even the broader pro-government bloc, including the Reformation Party, which had previously expressed solidarity on most issues, has grown cold. The Reformation Party stated the previous day, “Several allegations have recently been raised against Kim Byung-ki, the floor leader. The matter appears to be grave,” adding, “It is time for him to act thoughtfully in a manner befitting the seriousness of the situation.” Though phrased diplomatically, this is interpreted as a call for Kim to clarify his stance on his future within the party.
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