Public Apology Followed by Resignation as Floor Leader
Allegations Include Coupang Hospitality and Korean Air Hotel Voucher
Moon Jinseok to Serve as Acting Floor Leader
Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, resigned on December 30 after being embroiled in a series of allegations. He determined that as long as he remained at the center of these allegations, he would inevitably become an obstacle to the Lee Jaemyung administration. The Democratic Party plans to discuss follow-up measures regarding Kim's resignation at a general assembly of lawmakers in the afternoon.
At the Democratic Party's floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Kim stated, "As long as I am at the center of the ongoing allegations, I will inevitably become an obstacle to the Democratic Party and the Lee Jaemyung administration," adding, "Today, I am stepping down from my position as floor leader of the Democratic Party." While floor strategy meetings typically feature public remarks from the floor leadership, this meeting was held in silence, with only Kim's personal statement made public.
Kim faced numerous allegations, including receiving an expensive meal from Coupang, being given a hotel stay voucher from Korean Air, allegedly requesting special favors for a hospital in his constituency, and his spouse's alleged misuse of business expenses. Many of these allegations were reportedly raised by former aides. Through his social media account, Kim argued, "A former aide with whom I fell out is now distorting the situation."
Despite his active attempts to explain, new allegations continued to emerge, worsening the situation. On December 29, Kim's name surfaced in connection with allegations that Kang Sunwoo, a Democratic Party lawmaker, received money in exchange for a nomination during the local elections three years ago. Kang and others have denied the allegations, but the controversy is growing. Lawsuits and complaints related to the allegations have also continued.
Kim Byung-ki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting after announcing his intention to resign from the floor leader position at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on December 30, 2025. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
Initially, Kim reportedly considered issuing a public apology without resigning. However, as the allegations quickly escalated, he appears to have changed course and decided to step down. In his personal statement, Kim did not address the specific allegations but only explained his prolonged deliberation over apologizing to the public and his future course of action.
He stated, "First of all, I deeply bow my head in apology to the people regarding the allegations related to my personal affairs," and added, "My actions have fallen far short of the public’s expectations and standards, and the responsibility lies entirely with my own shortcomings." However, he also said, "What matters is not my position, but the fact that a single allegation has been amplified and consumed as if it were true, being used as a source of interest and controversy rather than a matter of truth. This is difficult for me to accept." He continued, "My deliberation over whether to clearly distinguish right from wrong and pursue the truth to the end was directly tied to my position. I concluded that this process would ultimately undermine the responsibilities of the Democratic Party floor leader in supporting the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration."
Kim Byung-ki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is moving after announcing his intention to resign from the floor leader position at the floor countermeasure meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 30th. 2025.12.30 Photo by Kang Jinhyung
Kim also expressed confidence that he could explain the allegations. He stated, "This decision (to resign as floor leader) is not about evading or lessening my responsibility, but rather my intention to take on even greater responsibility after clarifying the facts."
With Kim stepping down, Moon Jinseok, the Democratic Party's chief deputy floor leader for operations, will serve as acting floor leader according to party rules. The regulations require the election of a new floor leader within one month to complete the remainder of the term, but considering the busy National Assembly schedule, the process is expected to begin swiftly.
Meanwhile, the People Power Party commented on Kim's resignation by saying, "Justice has prevailed." Choi Eunseok, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party's floor leadership, stated, "Given the various allegations against Kim and his family regarding abuse of power and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, it is only natural that he should resign as floor leader of the Democratic Party. This is a serious matter that should even prompt him to consider resigning as a lawmaker."
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