Emergency Supreme Council Reaches Disciplinary Decision on Kang Sunwoo Within Three Days of Allegations
Kim Byungki Referred to the Ethics Tribunal
Kang Sunwoo Expelled Despite Having Already Left the Party
On January 1, the Democratic Party of Korea expelled Assemblywoman Kang Sunwoo, who is suspected of receiving illegal campaign funds during the last local elections. For Assemblyman Kim Byungki, who is suspected of having turned a blind eye despite being aware of Kang's receipt of money, the party requested a disciplinary review by the Central Party Ethics Tribunal.
The Democratic Party made this decision during an emergency Supreme Council meeting held that evening. Park Suhyeon, the party's chief spokesperson, told reporters after the meeting, "Although Assemblywoman Kang had already left the party, we proceeded with her expulsion," and added, "Based on the results of the Ethics Inspection Team's investigation reported to the Supreme Council, we have resolved to request a prompt disciplinary review by the Central Party Ethics Tribunal regarding Assemblyman Kim."
The decision to expel Assemblywoman Kang came three days after the allegations surfaced and just two days after the Ethics Inspection Team launched its investigation. Prior to the Supreme Council's decision, Kang declared her departure from the party, stating, "I have already placed too much burden on the party and its members, and I cannot burden you any further." Nevertheless, the Democratic Party proceeded with disciplinary action despite her announcement. Previously, a similar expulsion was imposed on Assemblyman Lee Chunseok, even after he had declared his departure from the party.
Assemblywoman Kang is suspected of having received 100 million won from Kim Kyung, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, during the 2022 local elections. Although Kang denied allegations of receiving money in exchange for a party nomination, she ultimately declared her departure from the party.
Disciplinary action has also begun in earnest against Assemblyman Kim, who is suspected of having condoned Kang's receipt of money despite being aware of it. Initially, Kim was reportedly excluded from the Ethics Inspection Team's investigation, but in fact, an investigation order was issued on December 25. Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheongrae later confirmed that the inspection order had been given on that date.
Chief spokesperson Park stated that the Ethics Inspection Team's investigation report on Assemblyman Kim has been submitted to the Ethics Tribunal. He further explained, "The Ethics Tribunal can not only adjudicate but also conduct its own investigation, so Assemblyman Kim will have the opportunity to present his explanation and undergo further inquiry."
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