Kim Byungki Resigns as Floor Leader: "Cannot Be an Obstacle to the Success of the Lee Jaemyung Administration" (Comprehensive)

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 decided to step down because he believed that remaining at the center of these allegations would inevitably become an obstacle to the Lee Jaemyung administration. The Democratic Party plans to discuss follow-up measures in response to 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 remain at the center of the ongoing allegations, I will inevitably hinder the Democratic Party and the Lee Jaemyung administration," adding, "Today, I am stepping down from the position of floor leader of the Democratic Party." Although floor strategy meetings typically feature public remarks from the party leadership, this meeting was held in silence, with only Kim's personal statement being released.

Kim faced numerous allegations, including receiving expensive meals from Coupang, accepting hotel vouchers from Korean Air, requesting special favors for a hospital in his constituency, and his spouse allegedly misusing business expenses. Many of these allegations reportedly originated from former aides. Kim argued via social media that "a former aide whose relationship with me soured is now distorting the situation."

Despite his active efforts to explain, new suspicions continued to surface, worsening the situation. On December 29, Kim's name was mentioned in connection with allegations of bribery related to nomination processes during the local elections three years ago, involving Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sunwoo. Although Kang and others denied the allegations, the controversy has only grown. Lawsuits and complaints related to these and other 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 rapidly escalated, he appears to have changed course and decided to step down. In his personal statement, Kim did not address the specific allegations but explained that he had struggled over his decision to apologize to the public and over the matter of his resignation.

He stated, "First of all, I deeply bow my head in apology to the people regarding the allegations about my personal conduct," and added, "My actions fell far short of the standards and expectations of the public, and the responsibility lies entirely with my own shortcomings." However, he also said, "It was difficult to accept that a single allegation could be amplified and consumed as if it were fact, used merely as fodder for controversy and intrigue rather than for the pursuit of truth, regardless of the importance of my position." He continued, "My deliberation on whether to clearly distinguish right from wrong and pursue the truth to the end was closely tied to my position, and this process ultimately led me to conclude that it would 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 raised against him. He said, "This decision (to resign as floor leader) is not about avoiding or lessening my responsibility, but about my determination to take on greater responsibility after clarifying the facts."

With Kim's resignation, Moon Jinseok, the Democratic Party's deputy floor leader for operations, will serve as acting floor leader in accordance with party rules. The regulations stipulate that a new floor leader must be elected within one month to serve the remainder of the term, but given the busy schedule of the National Assembly, the election process is expected to begin quickly.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party commented on Kim's resignation, calling it "justice served." Choi Eunseok, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, 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 for him to step down as floor leader of the Democratic Party, and the situation is serious enough that he should even consider resigning from his parliamentary seat."