People Power Party: "Kim Byungki Must Resign from the National Assembly and Cooperate with the Investigation"
On December 30, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, insisted that "legal responsibility must follow, not just political responsibility" regarding Kim Byungki, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, who abruptly resigned from his position as floor leader.
Speaking to reporters at the Saemangeum 33 Center in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, Jang said, "I believe Kim Byungki's resignation as floor leader is a matter of political responsibility," adding, "There are aspects that make me question whether this issue can simply be resolved politically and put to rest."
Earlier that day, during the Democratic Party's floor countermeasures meeting at the National Assembly, Assemblyman Kim stated, "As long as I am at the center of the ongoing allegations, I cannot help but become an obstacle to the Democratic Party and the Lee Jaemyung administration," announcing, "Today, I am stepping down from my position as floor leader of the Democratic Party." Kim has faced a series of allegations, including receiving an expensive meal from Coupang, being given a hotel stay voucher by Korean Air, requesting special favors for a hospital in his constituency, and his spouse allegedly misappropriating business expenses.
The People Power Party continued its offensive, arguing that Kim should not only resign as floor leader but also step down from his seat in the National Assembly.
Choi Boyoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, commented, "Kim's resignation as floor leader is not a bold decision but merely a belated retreat forced by public opinion," adding, "The suspicions surrounding Kim have already gone beyond the level of a personal controversy."
He went on to say, "Kim must immediately resign from his seat in the National Assembly and sincerely cooperate with investigations into all the allegations raised," urging, "Do not delay responsibility any longer and submit to the judgment of the law."
Choi Eunseok, senior deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party, also told reporters at the National Assembly, "Justice has prevailed," pointing out, "The various allegations of abuse of power and violations of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act involving Kim and his family are serious enough to warrant his resignation from the National Assembly."
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